Meaning of "I Never Asked To Be Your Mountain" by Tim Buckley

The lyrics of "I Never Asked To Be Your Mountain" delve into the complexities of love and the pain of unrequited affection. The narrator begins by expressing that they never asked to be seen as a strong figure or to be put on a pedestal ("I never asked to be your mountain, I never asked to fly"). They are reminded of heartbreak when their lover shares the lies told by another person ("Remember when you came to me and told me of his lies"). The narrator feels misunderstood and unappreciated, as their love and efforts go unrecognized ("You didn't understand my love, you don't know why I try"). The rain falling on that day symbolizes the narrator's sadness and the inability to find a reason for their suffering.

The second verse introduces the story of "The Flying Pisces," a character who serves as a representation of the narrator's child. The Flying Pisces is wrapped in "bitter tales and heartache" and longs for affection from their mother, who is entangled with a deceitful man ("Your scoundrel father flies with a dancer called a queen"). The child dreams of being close to the mother, but instead feels the despair of a love that will never be fulfilled ("Only barren breasts he feels, for her milk will never drain").

The third verse shifts the focus back to the narrator, reflecting on their own mortality and the elusive nature of happiness. The idea of rain is connected to a moment of happiness and laughter that might have triggered their downfall ("Could it be that her laughter drove me down again?"). The narrator yearns for connection and is drawn to a mysterious "charming dancer." They long for her attention and a deeper connection, but know they are distant from her in reality ("If you lead me on, please leave me down"). The narrator is consumed by their own anxieties, swimming in their regrets and fears ("I can't swim your waters, and you can't walk my lands").

In the final verses, the song touches on themes of love, home, and longing. The narrator repeats their desire for the lover to return and show them affection once more ("Sweet lover, will you come back and love me for a while?"). They express the need for reassurance and security, asking the lover to take their hand and leave their fears behind. The narrator acknowledges their absence, stating that they have been gone for too long and promising to stay home. The song ends with a desperate plea for the lover to not leave them again.

In essence, "I Never Asked To Be Your Mountain" delves into the complexities of love, longing, and the pain of unrequited affection. It explores themes of betrayal, struggle, and the search for understanding and acceptance in relationships.