Meaning of "Lily of the Valley" by Queen

The lyrics of "Lily of the Valley" by Queen carry themes of longing, rejection, uncertainty, and the struggle for power and peace. The narrator expresses their constant search for something, but their efforts are met with consistent rejection and disappointment. This is exemplified by the line, "But why does everybody tell me no." The speaker yearns for some sort of guidance or resolution, spoken metaphorically as seeking an answer from Neptune, the god of the sea. However, even this divine entity appears unable to provide the answers they seek.

The stanza "I lie in wait with open eyes, I carry on through stormy skies" depicts the narrator's perseverance in the face of challenges. They continue to push forward, regardless of the difficulties they encounter. The line "Each time I grow old, serpent of the Nile relieve me for a while, and cast me from your spell and let me go" conveys a sense of being entrapped within a spell or a set of circumstances that prevent them from finding relief. The mention of the serpent of the Nile implies a reference to ancient Egyptian mythology, where the serpent was known for its powers of protection and healing. The narrator desires a temporary respite from their struggles, hoping to be released from the spell that keeps them trapped.

The following stanza introduces a messenger from the seven seas, who delivers the news of the king of Rhye losing his throne. This demonstrates the theme of power and its transient nature. The wars and conflicts mentioned in the line "Wars will never cease, Is there time enough for peace?" highlight the violent and everlasting nature of human conflicts. The mention of the lily of the valley, a delicate flower, symbolizes innocence and purity. Its lack of knowledge and awareness of the turmoil in the world stands in stark contrast to the narrator's experiences.

Overall, the lyrics of "Lily of the Valley" convey a sense of longing, rejection, and the constant search for answers and relief. They touch upon themes of power, uncertainty, and the perpetual struggles of humanity. The juxtaposition of the narrator's experiences with the innocence of the lily of the valley emphasizes the challenges and complexities of life.