Meaning of "Sweet Ophelia" by Zella Day

The lyrics of "Sweet Ophelia" tell a story of a young girl who is taken advantage of by someone more experienced and manipulative. The references to being too young and having gold curls portray her innocence and vulnerability. The image of growing up like a grapevine represents how she becomes entangled in this person's web of deceit. The repetition of "O-woah" throughout the song adds a sense of urgency and emotional turmoil.

The name "Sweet Ophelia" carries symbolic weight, referencing Shakespeare's character in Hamlet who goes mad and eventually drowns herself. This suggests that the girl in the song is losing herself, becoming overwhelmed by the negative influence in her life. The lyrics suggest that this person is singing the "right songs" to lure her in, but it's clear that their intentions are not pure.

The line "When young blood escapes, vows that break, go up, up away" speaks to the loss of innocence and the breaking of promises. The young girl is being led astray, and as a result, she is losing herself and disconnecting from the person she used to be. The repetition of "up, up away" further emphasizes the idea of escape and the girl losing herself in this toxic situation.

Overall, "Sweet Ophelia" explores themes of manipulation, vulnerability, and the loss of identity. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of falling into the hands of someone who doesn't have your best interests at heart and the importance of staying true to oneself.