Meaning of "The Waves Have Come" by Chelsea Wolfe

"The Waves Have Come" delves into themes of pain, loss, and the human desire for meaning and connection. The opening lines, "The pain forms a circle / With a light at the center," suggest that the pain the speaker is experiencing is all-encompassing, but there is a glimmer of hope or understanding at its core. The concept of pain and its circular nature is further emphasized by the repetition of the line "And all the wait, it was for nothing," implying that the suffering endured was ultimately futile.

The lyrics also touch upon the complexities of love and forgiveness. The speaker describes covering the other person in "royal jelly," symbolizing an attempt to elevate them and make them special. However, despite the forgiveness granted, the relationship and the world they created together are ultimately empty. This highlights the theme of disillusionment and the realization that external validation and constructs cannot bring true fulfillment.

The song takes a darker turn as the speaker confronts the inevitability of death. There is a sense of longing for the departed loved one, with the speaker stating, "You said to me it won't be long now / You'll leave the world and you will join me here." This reveals a desire for reunion beyond death, a belief in an afterlife or some form of existence beyond the physical realm. The speaker's flesh may be afraid, but there is a sense of acceptance and even transcendence through love.

The concept of creation is explored as well, with the lyrics stating, "Creation was the only word / That made you feel you never were." This suggests that the act of creation, whether artistic or otherwise, gives a sense of purpose and identity. The belief in something beyond the physical world is also emphasized with the line, "And we don't need physical things / To make us feel and make us dream." This reflects a longing for transcendence and the understanding that there is more to life than material possessions.

The song ends with a reflection on the inevitability of death and the passage of time. The waves mentioned in the title symbolize the transient nature of life, relentlessly washing away everything. The lyrics convey a sense of loss and finality as the speaker laments, "Never to return to me," suggesting a permanent separation from the loved one.