The lyrics of "Michelangelo" by Emmylou Harris depict a series of dreams where the narrator envisions Michelangelo in various scenarios, such as digging up bodies by the river, searching for the mother of his unborn children, riding a blood-red painted pony, and ultimately dying in a field of thorns and roses. The dreams also touch on themes of suffering, remembrance, and longing for a lost love.

Meaning of "Michelangelo" by Emmylou Harris

The song "Michelangelo" delves deep into the human experience of longing, loss, and the passing of time. By invoking the iconic figures of Michelangelo and Picasso, the lyrics explore the complexities of relationships, both personal and artistic. The dreams in the song serve as a metaphor for the memories that continue to haunt us, even as time moves forward. The imagery of digging up bodies, riding a blood-red painted pony, and weeping tears like diamonds all evoke a sense of emotional turmoil and the struggle to come to terms with past events. Each scenario reflects a different facet of longing and the impossibility of fully understanding or reaching closure. The repeated question of whether Michelangelo suffered at the end and if he will be remembered speaks to the universal fear of being forgotten and the desire for one's legacy to endure. Overall, the song beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of memory, love, and the passage of time.