Meaning of "Like the Swallow" by Saint Etienne

The lyrics of "Like the Swallow" by Saint Etienne paint a picture of a woman who is symbolically represented by elements of nature that are vibrant and eternal. She is described as a swallow flying high, a river that never runs dry, and sunshine on the lee shore, all images of beauty, freedom, and constancy. However, beneath this beautiful facade lies the heartbreak of unrequited love. The woman is compared to laying on a bed of wild roses with a stony pillow, a juxtaposition of softness and harshness, representing the bittersweet nature of love. The repeated chorus of "I love my love and love is no more" underscores the pain and loss experienced by the woman, highlighting the idea that even the most beautiful and dependable aspects of life can be shattered by the absence of love. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of longing, betrayal, and the fragility of love, even in the midst of enduring natural beauty.