Sufjan Stevens

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Oh, to see without my eyes
The first time that you kissed me
Boundless by the time I cried
I built your walls around me
White noise, what an awful sound
Fumbling by Rogue River
Feel my feet above the ground
Hand of God, deliver me

[Chorus]
Oh, oh woe-oh-woah is me
The first time that you touched me
Oh, will wonders ever cease?
Blessed be the mystery of love

[Verse 2]
Lord, I no longer believe
Drowned in living waters
Cursed by the love that I received
From my brother's daughter
Like Hephaestion, who died
Alexander's lover
Now my riverbed has dried
Shall I find no other?
[Chorus]
Oh, oh woe-oh-woah is me
I'm running like a plover
Now I'm prone to misery
The birthmark on your shoulder reminds me

[Verse 3]
How much sorrow can I take?
Blackbird on my shoulder
And what difference does it make
When this love is over?
Shall I sleep within your bed?
River of unhappiness
Hold your hands upon my head
Till I breathe my last breath
[Chorus]
Oh, oh woe-oh-woah is me
The last time that you touched me
Oh, will wonders ever cease?
Blessed be the mystery of love

When it comes to emotionally charged and exquisite songwriting, few artists can compare to Sufjan Stevens. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Stevens has continuously delivered heart-wrenching tunes and lush melodies that have touched thousands of souls around the world. Among his most recent works is "Mystery of Love," a song that he wrote for the Call Me By Your Name soundtrack, which quickly became a fan favorite and received critical acclaim.

So, what is it about "Mystery of Love" that makes it such an incredible track? In this article, we're going to delve deep into the nuances and intricacies of the song, exploring its origins, meaning, and impact. Whether you're a die-hard Sufjan Stevens fan or just looking for a fantastic song to add to your playlist, you're in for a treat.

About Mystery of Love

"Mystery of Love" is a hauntingly beautiful song that was written by Sufjan Stevens for the 2017 film Call Me By Your Name. Initially, the film's director, Luca Guadagnino, commissioned Stevens to write only one song for the movie. Instead, Stevens took it upon himself to go above and beyond, crafting two new tracks and remixing a previously released number, "Futile Devices."

"Mystery of Love" quickly became one of the most beloved songs on the Call Me By Your Name soundtrack, a fact that wasn't lost on the Academy Awards selection committee. On January 23, 2018, the song was nominated for the coveted Best Original Song trophy, with Stevens delivering a stunning performance at the awards ceremony. Other brilliant artists that accompanied Stevens during the ceremony were St. Vincent, Moses Sumney, Chris Thile, and frequent collaborators Casey Foubert and James McAlister.

The song's melody is soft and ethereal, with Stevens' trademark falsetto vocals adding an extra layer of emotional depth to the track. The lyrics are poetic, melancholic, and full of meaning, exploring themes of love, loss, and the mysteries of the human heart.

It's critical to note that "Mystery of Love" was also featured prominently in the trailer for Call Me By Your Name, which only helped to boost its popularity and acclaim. The song's introspective and dreamy sound perfectly captured the film's romantic and melancholic atmosphere, making it a perfect match.

The Making of Mystery of Love

While the process of creating "Mystery of Love" was undoubtedly complex and arduous, Sufjan Stevens made it seem like a breeze. In an interview with 4:3 Film, Luca Guadagnino spoke about how the process unfolded, saying that he approached Stevens and shared his ideas for the film. Stevens was so impressed and moved by the director's vision that he went ahead to make not one but two songs for the movie.

It's also worth noting that "Mystery of Love" might have been intended for release on Stevens' other works before landing on the Call Me By Your Name soundtrack, such as his 2015 album Carrie & Lowell or his 2017 mixtape, The Greatest Gift. This is because the song's lyrics make numerous references to the state of Oregon, where both projects were set. Furthermore, Stevens' label, Asthmatic Kitty Records, hinted at this possibility by releasing a statement that read, "Great-great-great Uncle Edward, after whom Stevens was named, died in 1936, and though he'd never met him, Oregon-native Stevens says he's always felt a strong connection to his almost-namesake. And yet, for all its familial longing and lyric directness, Carrie & Lowell is actually quite cryptic and mysterious."

Interpreting the Lyrics of Mystery of Love

One of the most striking things about "Mystery of Love" is its poetic and almost spiritual lyrics. The song's metaphors and allegories are thought-provoking and powerful, inviting listeners to explore the mysteries of love and the human experience. Let's take a closer look at some of the song's key lyrics:

"Oh, to see without my eyes The first time that you kissed me"

These lines evoke the idea of a love that transcends the physical realm, a connection that is felt beyond the five senses. It's almost as if the singer is saying that even without seeing their lover, they could feel the closeness and depth of their love.

"All fruit lies in the fold You said you'd always be my love"

Here, Stevens uses fruit as a metaphor for the sweetness and abundance of love. By saying that "all fruit lies in the fold," he's implying that when folded together in a close embrace, love becomes the source of all goodness and joy in life.

"Oh, to see without my eyes The first time that you touched me"

Similar to the first verse, these lines represent the idea that true love goes beyond physical sensations and is felt on a deeper, more spiritual level. The touch of a loved one is interpreted as a profound and life-changing experience, one that transforms who we are and makes us wiser and more understanding.

In Closing

"Mystery of Love" is undoubtedly one of Sufjan Stevens' finest creations, a song that captures the essence of love and the human experience with breathtaking beauty and resilience. The song's melodies and harmonies are mesmerizing, and its lyrics are full of meaning and depth, making it a timeless work of art that will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

• Release Date: November 3, 2017
• Artist: Sufjan Stevens