Meaning of "Annabelle Lee" by Sarah Jarosz

"Annabelle Lee" is inspired by the famous poem of the same name written by Edgar Allan Poe. The lyrics explore the theme of a tragic and timeless love. The narrator reminisces about a beautiful and innocent love shared with Annabelle Lee in their kingdom by the sea. Their love is described as something greater than ordinary affection, coveted even by the angels. However, the happiness is abruptly shattered when Annabelle Lee is taken away by her wicked brothers, who lock her in a tomb. Despite the physical separation, the narrator's love for Annabelle Lee remains unbroken. He mourns her loss for many years, wandering through the kingdom by the sea and finding solace in laying beside her bones. The reference to the moon and the dream highlight the enduring nature of their love. The lyrics portray the power of love to transcend death and the lengths to which the narrator goes to keep Annabelle Lee alive in his heart.

The song captures the intensity of love, emphasizing the pain of loss and the longing for something that can never be regained. It reflects on the unfairness of life, where the wicked actions of others can destroy a pure and innocent love. The use of specific imagery, such as the tomb by the sounding sea, adds to the hauntingly beautiful nature of the lyrics. The setting of the sea serves as a symbol of both eternity and separation, representing the vastness of time and the divide between the narrator and Annabelle Lee. This tragic love story taps into universal emotions of grief, devotion, and the desire to hold on to memories of lost loved ones.