The Meaning Behind The Song: The Lady Of Shalott by Loreena McKennitt
Loreena McKennitt’s hauntingly beautiful song, “The Lady of Shalott,” is a modern-day rendition of a classic Arthurian legend. The song takes listeners on a journey through the tragic story of a cursed woman, trapped in a tower, who falls in love with a knight she can never have. The song’s lyrics are rich with symbolism and imagery, creating a mesmerizing musical experience that leaves a lasting impression. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind the song and explore the themes that make it timeless.
Historical Context
The story of The Lady of Shalott has its roots in Arthurian legend, from the medieval poem “The Lady of Shalott” by Alfred Lord Tennyson. The poem tells the story of a young woman cursed to weave tapestries in isolation and never look out the window of her tower. Yet, when she sees the handsome Sir Lancelot riding past, she is unable to resist and looks out, causing her to die.
The poem has been widely interpreted over the years, with some seeing it as a commentary on the role of women in society and the sacrifices they make, while others see it as a warning about the dangers of giving in to temptation.
The Meaning Behind The Song’s Lyrics
Loreena McKennitt’s version of the story takes this theme to a new level, adding an emotional depth that speaks to a modern audience. The lyrics are rich with symbolism, conjuring up images of a woman trapped by her circumstances, yearning for freedom but unable to escape her fate.
The song begins by painting a picture of The Lady of Shalott, weaving her tapestry in isolation. McKennitt’s lyrics describe the woman’s solitary confinement, forced to “weave the mirror’s magic sights/such sights as youthful poets dream.” Her isolation is brought to life by the song’s haunting melody, creating an atmosphere that feels both enchanting and lonely.
As the song progresses, we see The Lady of Shalott begin to fall in love with Sir Lancelot, despite knowing that she can never be with him. The lyrics capture the intensity of her emotions, as “her web she wove with colors gay/she knew not what the curse may be/she’d seen the helmet and the plume/she’d seen the glimmer of the moon.”
As the song reaches its climax, McKennitt’s lyrics take us on a tragic journey. The Lady of Shalott sees Sir Lancelot once too often and can no longer resist the temptation to look out of her tower, knowing that her curse will bring her death. The powerful imagery of “the curse is come upon me,” and “in the stormy east-wind straining/the pale yellow woods were waning,” create a sense of foreboding that is both chilling and moving.
The Symbolism of The Song
The Lady of Shalott is a powerful allegory, with McKennitt’s song capturing the essence of the story with its rich symbolism. The tapestry that The Lady of Shalott is weaving represents the illusion of freedom that we often create for ourselves in life. The magic mirror mentioned in the song symbolizes the illusions that we see in ourselves and others.
The curse that befalls The Lady of Shalott is a metaphor for the restrictions and limitations that society often places on individuals. It represents the fear of stepping outside of our comfort zones and making the most of our opportunities. The curse is also symbolic of the choices that we make in life and how they can lead to our undoing.
The Significance of Loreena McKennitt’s Rendition
Loreena McKennitt’s version of The Lady of Shalott is a significant addition to the story’s already impressive history. Her haunting melody and evocative lyrics have the ability to transport listeners to different worlds, creating a sense of longing and nostalgia. The song’s meaning resonates with a wide audience and speaks to our innermost emotions and desires.
McKennitt’s unique interpretation of the story offers a fresh perspective on the timeless narrative, making it accessible to a new generation of listeners. Her musical talent and innovative approach to storytelling have cemented her place as one of the most influential artists of our time.
FAQs
What inspired Loreena McKennitt to write The Lady of Shalott?
Loreena McKennitt has long been inspired by the art, poetry, and music of the medieval period. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, she stated that “The Lady of Shalott” was one of the poems that she was most drawn to. The story’s powerful themes of imprisonment, yearning, and loss spoke to McKennitt’s own experiences, making it an ideal source of inspiration for her music.
What is the meaning of the line “the curse is come upon me”?
The curse that befalls The Lady of Shalott represents the restrictions and limitations that society often places on individuals. When she sees Sir Lancelot and falls in love with him, she cannot resist the temptation to look out of her tower, knowing that her curse will bring her death. The line “the curse is come upon me” symbolizes the weight of responsibility and the consequences of our choices.
What is the significance of the tapestry that The Lady of Shalott is weaving?
The tapestry symbolizes the illusion of freedom that we often create for ourselves in life. The Lady of Shalott is weaving it in isolation, trapped by her circumstances. The tapestry is a metaphor for the choices that we make in life and how they can lead to our undoing.
What inspired the song’s haunting melody?
The haunting melody of The Lady of Shalott was inspired by Loreena McKennitt’s passion for medieval music. She has long been interested in the art and music of the medieval period, and this passion shines through in her music. The song’s melody captures the melancholic mood of the story, creating a sense of longing and nostalgia.
What are the main themes of The Lady of Shalott?
The main themes of The Lady of Shalott are imprisonment, yearning, and loss. The story’s tragic ending makes it an allegory for the dangers of giving in to temptation and the importance of staying true to our values.
What is the significance of the magic mirror in the song?
The magic mirror represents the illusions that we see in ourselves and others. The Lady of Shalott spends her life weaving illusions, trapped by her view of the world through the mirror. The mirror is symbolic of the illusions that we create and the power they can hold over us.
How does The Lady of Shalott relate to Arthurian legend?
The Lady of Shalott is a classic Arthurian legend, with its roots in medieval literature. The story has been interpreted over the years as a commentary on the role of women in society and the sacrifices they make. The song’s lyrics capture the essence of the story, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless narrative.
What is the lesson to be learned from The Lady of Shalott?
The Lady of Shalott is a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving in to temptation. The story’s tragic ending serves as a warning to stay true to our values and resist the allure of instant gratification.
What is the significance of the storm in the song?
The storm in the song symbolizes the tumultuous emotions that The Lady of Shalott is experiencing. It creates a sense of foreboding that foreshadows the tragic ending of the story.
How does Loreena McKennitt’s version differ from the original poem?
Loreena McKennitt’s version of The Lady of Shalott offers a fresh interpretation of the story, with added emotional depth and imagery. The song’s haunting melody and rich symbolism capture the essence of the original poem while offering a modern twist.
What makes The Lady of Shalott a timeless story?
The Lady of Shalott is a timeless story because it speaks to our innermost emotions and desires. The story’s themes of imprisonment, yearning, and loss are universal, resonating with audiences across generations.
What was the inspiration for the music video for The Lady of Shalott?
The music video for The Lady of Shalott was inspired by the Pre-Raphaelite art movement, which was popular in the mid-19th century. The video’s director, Tim Cowling, wanted to create a visual representation of the song’s themes of isolation and longing. The result is a beautiful and compelling narrative that complements the song perfectly.
