"Carmen" by Olivia Dean is a poignant and heartfelt tribute to her grandmother, exploring themes of love, strength, and cultural identity. Through introspective lyrics and evocative imagery, Dean delves into the experiences of her grandmother, who immigrated to a foreign country and built a new life for herself and her family.
The song begins with an enigmatic and undefined introductory section that sets a contemplative tone. As the verse commences, Dean paints a picture of her grandmother's journey, describing her first time on a plane, at the age of eighteen, leaving her home to seek opportunities elsewhere. The line "You found a door and held it open" suggests her grandmother's courage and resilience in paving the way for herself and future generations.
Dean expresses the complex emotions of being uprooted from one's cultural roots and trying to establish a sense of belonging in a foreign land. "No way to know how to make a home in someone else's motherland" encapsulates the challenges her grandmother faced as an immigrant. The reference to transplanting a family tree portrays her grandmother's efforts to foster a sense of cultural heritage and identity in a new environment. The line "And a part of it grew into me" highlights Dean's connection to her grandmother's legacy, acknowledging how her grandmother's struggles have shaped her own identity.
In the chorus, Dean praises her grandmother's strength and resilience, comparing it to her own. The phrase "Never got a jubilee" speaks to the sacrifices her grandmother made, potentially hinting at missed opportunities or unfulfilled dreams. Dean vows to honor and celebrate her grandmother's life, expressing her determination to throw a jubilee for her, symbolizing a joyous celebration of her grandmother's strength and legacy. The mention of holding onto "grandma's hands" suggests the importance of familial connection and the comfort derived from shared experiences and love.
The second verse delves further into the impact of immigration, contrasting the familiarity of her grandmother's homeland with the sense of displacement felt in the new country. Dean mentions the Weetabix, a British breakfast cereal, which serves as a metaphor for the difference in taste and familiarity experienced by immigrants. Despite the challenges, Dean acknowledges her grandmother's influence in nurturing a family tree, touching upon the theme of generational continuity and the responsibility to carry forward her grandmother's legacy.
The bridge serves as a refrain of the name "Carmen," the grandmother's name, repeatedly chanted, emphasizing the central focus of the song and reinforcing the emotional connection to her grandmother.
The repetition of the chorus and post-chorus highlights the unwavering commitment and determination of Dean to honor her grandmother. The line "I'm still" suggests that even though her grandmother may no longer be physically present, her influence and spirit endure.
"Carmen" by Olivia Dean is a deeply personal and emotionally charged song that celebrates the strength of immigrant experiences, familial connection, and the power of legacy. Through her introspective lyrics and heartfelt delivery, Dean pays heartfelt homage to her grandmother, encapsulating the profound impact her grandmother's journey has had on her own identity and life.