Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Riala” by Suis La Lune
The melancholy ballad of “Riala” by Swedish indie rockers Suis La Lune is an ode to emotional ambivalence and a broken heart that’s still healing.
The song is centered around the theme of a lost love, as the singer-songwriter explores the various feelings of hurt, longing and desolate resignation at the dissolution of a relationship. The opening line states, “It’s been so long since we held hands,” immediately introducing the listener to the emotional aftermath of this broken romance. The tone of the song exudes a sense of desolation, as the catchy melody greatly amplifies the pang of sadness in the lyrics.
The narrator of the song is reflecting on the fragile nature of his former relationship, recalling all the precious moments he shared with his lost lover. He speaks of “memories of your sweet kisses, of your tender hug and smile,” which serves as a stark reminder of what was, and what could never be. Yet, in spite of the sorrow he feels, there is an acceptance of his current fate as the narrator finds solace in his pained remembrance.
The title of the song, “Riala”, is defined as a poetic phrase that can express either sorrow or joy, thus encapsulating the ambivalent feelings of the narrator and the bittersweet harmony of the track. The final verse beautifully weaves together the vulnerability and acceptance of his love’s loss, before the song ends with the lyrics “It’s gone for good yet we’re still here.” Here, the narrator emotionally and musically come full circle, signifying a newfound understanding in his newfound reality. Despite the tragedy of the relationship’s lost, the song gives listeners the courage to move on by erupting in a stunning crescendo of emotion, which poignantly provides a sense of closure.