The lyrics of "Swallowtail" by Wolf Alice tell the story of meeting someone at an iconic location, feeling a strong connection, and ultimately accepting the inevitability of a tragic end.

Read more
image

Meaning of "Swallowtail" by Wolf Alice


The repeated imagery of falling from a great height, such as atop the shard, along with the mention of swallowing fear and heading straight into the ground, suggests a sense of inevitability and impending doom in the relationship described in the song. The lyrics convey a feeling of intense connection and passion that is doomed to end in tragedy. The mention of being too late to change the situation reflects a sense of resignation to fate and a willingness to face the unknown head-on. The use of the swallowtail butterfly as a metaphor for both beauty and transience adds depth to the lyrics, hinting at the delicate nature of relationships and the fleeting nature of love. Overall, the song captures the bittersweet mix of hope and despair that often accompanies intense emotional experiences.