Meaning of "Once I Was" by Tim Buckley

The lyrics of "Once I Was" delve into themes of identity, memory, and the fleeting nature of relationships. The narrator reflects on the various roles they have taken in the person's life - a soldier, a hunter, and a lover - highlighting the sacrifices and efforts they made. These roles represent the different aspects of their personality that they presented to this person. However, the narrator also recognizes that these roles were not genuine representations of their true self. They describe themselves as a "lie," suggesting that they presented a version of themselves to please the person or fit into their expectations.

The line "And though you have forgotten all of our rubbish dreams" displays a sense of bitterness and disappointment as the person they were involved with seems to have moved on, forgetting the dreams and aspirations they once shared. The narrator still longs for the days when they were happy together, searching through the ruins and ashes of their past in hopes of finding traces of those moments. This emphasizes the transient nature of relationships and how memories can fade away.

The final lines, "And sometimes I wonder just for a while, will you remember me," encapsulate the central question of the song. The narrator wonders if they will be remembered by this person, even though they have faded from their life. It reflects the universal desire for some form of immortality or lingering impact on someone's memory. The uncertainty in the question suggests a fear of being forgotten and a longing for a lasting connection.

Overall, the lyrics of "Once I Was" evoke a sense of longing, regret, and introspection. It explores the complexities of relationships, the masks we wear to please others, and the universal desire to be remembered.