Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Orpheo Looks Back” by Andrew Bird
‘Orpheo Looks Back’ by Andrew Bird tells the story of Orpheus. A legendary figure of Greek mythology, Orpheus was a musician and poet who had the power to move and charm all living things with his music. He was unrequitedly in love with the beautiful nymph Eurydice and when she tragically died, he ventured deep into the Underworld to try and rescue her.
The song is seen as Orpheus looking back on his journey to the Underworld, reflecting on the tragedy of Eurydice’s fate and the overwhelming grief he felt for losing her. He is comforted by the fact that even in death, their love transcended the boundaries between the living and the dead, allowing them to remain connected. The metaphor of the river Styx acts as a reminder of the obstacles in life that we can never overcome no matter how hard we try, yet we must accept them and trudge on bravely, no matter the great personal cost.
The music reflects the sorrowful and pensive emotions of the narrative, making ‘Orpheo Looks Back’ a compelling and heart-rending tribute to a timeless love story. It serves as an inspiration to never give up on love and appreciating every moment we have with the ones we hold close.