Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: indie-pop
Song Meaning of “Rhiannon” by Best Coast
The song ‘Rhiannon’ by Best Coast is a display of resilience in the face of heartache. It’s a plea to a former love – not to come back, but to stay away for the singer’s own protection. In the chorus, the singer pleads “don’t come back, Rhiannon, for my heart belongs to someone else now” – but there’s a sense of regret in her voice, as if she’s disappointed not to be able to have all of them. The singer has accepted the pain of losing her romantic partner, but still thinks of them fondly, and therefore doesn’t want to be hurt further by their return.
The lyrics echo the ancient Welsh legend of Rhiannon – a goddess who was punished unjustly for something she didn’t do. When she was exonerated and freed, she got her revenge by taking a human form and marrying a human. The modern story told in the song takes on a different form — the singer has resigned herself to her fate and instead of being vindictive or selfish, she has taken the high road and moved on, but is haunted by the memories of what used to be.
The song is an uplifting reminder that even in the face of great loss, it’s possible to keep our dignity and still move forward. Instead of letting heartache weigh her down, the singer is determined to rise above it and make the best out of her new life.