Song meaning of Ribbons by The Good, The Bad and The Queen

The lyrics of "Ribbons" by The Good, The Bad and The Queen convey a sense of duality and symbolism throughout the song. The use of ribbons as a recurring motif represents different aspects or identities of the singer.

In the first verse, the singer portrays themselves as the Maypole, dancing with the sun, and wearing ribbons white and red. This suggests a joyous and celebratory image, symbolizing unity and connection with nature. The reference to being a son and heir signifies a sense of responsibility and lineage.

The second verse introduces the image of the Mast horse riding out to war, with ribbons white and blue. This could represent a more aggressive and confrontational side. The arrow symbolizes an ability to cause pain or harm, emphasizing a determination to not let go.

Moving to the third verse, the singer claims to be the last king standing on the hill, wearing ribbons white, red, and green. This could signify a sense of pride and power, yet with a touch of melancholy as he mentions being unwanted and alone.

In the fourth verse, the singer identifies themselves as a murderer falling out of the sky, wearing ribbons black until death. This suggests a darker and more remorseful nature, personifying the "dark wood" and the "river" as symbols of internal struggle and pain.

Lastly, the song returns to the image of the Maypole, but now only wearing ribbons for a particular person. This conveys a sense of devotion and love, reclaiming the innocence and beauty of the morning with flowers in their hair, stating again that they are a son and heir, indicating a deep connection to their origins and heritage.

Overall, the lyrics of "Ribbons" explores the various identities and emotions within a person, from joy and celebration to pain and darkness, highlighting the complexity of human experience.