Meaning of "The Island: Come And See/The Landlord's Daughter/You'll Not Feel The Drowning" by The Decemberists

The lyrics in "The Island: Come And See/The Landlord's Daughter/You'll Not Feel The Drowning" offer a narrative that is both ominous and introspective. In the first part, "Come and See," the island is portrayed as a place of solitude and sorrow. The description of the hidden harbor and the absence of human presence creates a sense of desolation. The tides serve as a metaphor for the passing of time, witnessed only by nature and not by any living beings. The fading light signifies the inevitability of change and the impossibility of returning to a former state.

In the second part, "The Landlord's Daughter," the lyrics shift to a more interpersonal encounter. The protagonist comes across the daughter of the landlord and threatens her with a pistol and saber. The power dynamic is skewed in favor of the protagonist, but there is an underlying tension and desperation evident in the daughter's pleas for mercy. The exchange becomes tinged with a mix of violence, desire, and manipulation. This part of the song explores themes of power dynamics, ethics, and the potential for exploitation.

The third and final part, "You'll Not Feel the Drowning," presents a melancholic scene of someone being laid to rest. The use of dimes as a symbol on the eyelids alludes to the practice of paying Charon for passage to the afterlife in Greek mythology. The repetition of the phrase "Go to sleep now, little ugly, go to sleep now, you little fool" suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance of fate. The speaker addresses the departed one, reassures them that they will not feel the pain of drowning, and encourages them to forget the past.

Overall, the lyrics in "The Island: Come And See/The Landlord's Daughter/You'll Not Feel The Drowning" explore themes of isolation, mortality, power dynamics, and the inevitability of change. The imagery and storytelling evoke a haunting and introspective atmosphere, inviting reflection on the human condition and the complexities of existence.