Song to the Siren

This Mortal Coil

About Song to the Siren

"Song to the Siren" is a song written by Tim Buckley and his writing partner Larry Beckett and was first released on Buckley's 1970 album Starsailor. It was also later released on Morning Glory: The Tim Buckley Anthology, the album featuring a performance of the song taken from the final episode of The Monkees TV show which aired on March 25, 1968. Pat Boone was the first to release a version of the song when it was featured on his 1969 album Departure, predating Buckley's Starsailor release. However, the song has become perhaps Buckley's most famous due to a number of artists covering the song after his death in 1975, notably This Mortal Coil. 


Year:
2011
1,896 
#1

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Long afloat on shipless oceans
I did all my best to smile
'Til your singing eyes and fingers
Drew me loving to your isle
And you sang
Sail to me
Sail to me
Let me enfold you
Here I am
Here I am
Waiting to hold you

Did I dream you dreamed about me?
Were you here when I was forced out
Now my foolish boat is leaning
Broken lovelorn on your rocks
For you sing, "Touch me not, touch me not, come back tomorrow
Oh my heart, Oh my heart shies from the sorrow"

Well I'm as puzzled as the newborn child
I'm as riddled as the tide
Should I stand amid the breakers?
Or should I lie with death, my bride?
Hear me sing, "Swim to me, swim to me, let me enfold you
Here I am, here I am, waiting to hold you"

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This Mortal Coil

This Mortal Coil was a gothic dream pop supergroup led by Ivo Watts-Russell, founder of the British record label 4AD. Although Watts-Russell and John Fryer were technically the only two official members, the band's recorded output featured a large rotating cast of supporting artists, many of whom were signed to, or otherwise associated with, 4AD. About half of the songs released were cover versions, often of 1960s and 1970s psychedelic and folk acts. On each of the band's three LPs, at least one song would also be a cover of a 4AD artist, and most of the original songs were instrumentals. more »

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Written by: Larry Beckett, Tim Buckley

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Origin and Inspiration
"Song to the Siren" was originally written and performed by American musician Tim Buckley. The song appeared on his 1970 album "Starsailor".
Composition of song
Tim Buckley wrote "Song to the Siren" with his writing partner Larry Beckett while they were still in high school, contemplating about an irresistible yet fatal attraction.
First Performance
Tim Buckley first performed "Song To the Siren" on the final episode of The Monkees TV show in 1968, which was two full years before it was officially released.
This Mortal Coil's Cover
English gothic rock supergroup This Mortal Coil released a cover of "Song To the Siren" in 1983 on their album "It'll End in Tears".
Elizabeth Fraser's Performance
The This Mortal Coil rendition was performed by Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins, bringing a unique ethereal voice to the song.
Critical Reaction
The This Mortal Coil's version of the song was admired by critics and audiences and helped to revive interest in Buckley's work.
Impact of the Song
Buckley's version has been used in several films and TV shows. The This Mortal Coil version was used in the film "Lost Highway", directed by David Lynch, and also included in the official soundtrack of the film "The Lovely Bones".
Song Meaning
The song title and lyrics reference the Greek myth of the Sirens, sea creatures who used their enchanting music and voices to lure sailors to their death.
Long-Lasting Popularity
Despite being over four decades old, "Song to the Siren" continues to impact popular culture, being covered by numerous artists in diverse genres indicating its universal appeal.
Commercial Success
This Mortal Coil's cover version ranked 7th on the UK Indie Chart and stayed there for 101 weeks.
Recognition
In 2012, the song was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection.

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