Ophelia by The Lumineers Song Info
“Ophelia” is “the cornerstone” of The Lumineers’ sophomore album "Cleopatra". It was the first track written and recorded for the album, following which band member Jeremiah Fraites said he “felt like it was easier to proceed finishing the album.” The song is also about how the band has dealt with the success it has achieved since it’s 2012 self-titled debut. Singer Wesley Schultz told EW: "”Ophelia“ is a vague reference to people falling in love with fame. That spotlight can seem like an endless buffet, but in reality, you’re just shiny, bright, and new to people for a quick moment—and then you have the rest of your life to live." It’s a hard song to pin down what Ophelia was about as a singular idea – the lyrics in the song were sung in a stream-of -conscious, free sort of way during the demo process. But reading them back, i hear this idea of trying to remind myself not to fall in love with the momentary attention we were getting because i knew that was fleeting. I was in search of something more real. I was also feeling like i was observing someone else live a life somehow – surviving instead of living. With all the touring and shows for the 4-5 years on our first album, the repetition drives you a little mad. - Wes via Genius
