The song "ivy" by Taylor Swift, translated into Polish by Polskie tłumaczenia Genius, conveys a story of a complicated love affair and the turmoil it brings to the narrator's life. The lyrics make use of metaphorical language, primarily comparing the relationship to a growing ivy. Let's delve into the meaning behind the song.
In the first verse, the narrator mentions a secluded place where they will meet. It symbolizes a hidden and forbidden love, escaping judgment and societal expectations. The narrator describes the touch of their lover as a lingering glow that's faded but still remarkable. The mention of the aging widow who visits the grave every day contrasts with the narrator's own behavior of simply waiting, implying a sense of resignation or helplessness in the face of their feelings.
The chorus expresses the pain felt by the narrator, emphasizing that their agony resides in the coldness of the lover's hand. Although the narrator's hand is held, their lover belongs to someone else. They wish for the ivy, symbolizing the affair, to stop rooting itself in their perfect life. The line, "My home is made of stone, your ivy grows," suggests that the narrator's stable life is being invaded by the complexities of their illicit relationship.
The second verse expresses the desire to understand what draws the lover into this cursed affair. The narrator acknowledges that their lover is at peace while all they want is to see their lover's eyes shining like the sun. The lover wants something that rightfully belongs to the narrator, adding to the internal conflict.
In the third verse, the imagery of blooming clover on meadows represents the arrival of a new season, perhaps symbolizing change or renewal. The narrator wonders what the lover would do if they found out about the affair. The reference to moonlight and a pure coast alludes to a sense of beauty and tranquility, but also signifies fear. The narrator fears that their lover will destroy everything, burning down their shared home, and questions how anyone could have predicted this outcome. They express a willingness to live and die for the stolen moments they have experienced, highlighting the intensity of their emotions.
The chorus is repeated, revealing the continuing pain and frustration the narrator feels, as their lover remains promised to someone else. The ivy metaphor emphasizes how deeply entwined the affair has become in the narrator's life.
The bridge introduces themes of fire and war, describing the relationship as a fiery flame in the darkness. The narrator attributes the start of this battle to their lover, reflecting on the consequences of their actions.
The final chorus emphasizes the narrator's plea for the lover to stop entangling themselves in their perfect life. The repetition of "I am covered by you" emphasizes the all-encompassing impact the lover has on the narrator's life.
Overall, "ivy" explores the anguish and turmoil of a forbidden love affair, employing vivid metaphors and emotional imagery to convey the depth of the narrator's emotions and the damage caused by the affair.