Song Meaning
Daniel Ash's "Foolish Thing Desire" isn't a straightforward love song; it's a melancholic meditation on memory, resilience, and the bittersweet nature of desire. The repeated vow, "Yes I will always remember you," acts as a mantra, suggesting a deep, perhaps formative, relationship. But the context hints at something more complex than simple adoration. The "blues came rushing into your heart," indicating a shared experience of pain or hardship. Ash's lyrics imply that the subject coped by seeking transcendence – "You just got higher" – a coping mechanism that speaks to a shared understanding of suffering and escape. Perhaps that's the key to the singer's enduring memory. The person being remembered didn't succumb to despair but found a way to rise above it.
Ash contrasts this idealized figure with the harsh realities of desire. "It's such a foolish thing desire," he sings, acknowledging the inherent vulnerability in wanting. The line "there's always someone somewhere wants to break your heart" is a cynical but honest assessment of human relationships. Desire, in this context, becomes a double-edged sword: it's a source of potential pain but also the impetus for seeking something more profound. The 'foolish thing' isn't love itself, but the naivete that often accompanies it.
Ultimately, “Foolish Thing Desire” circles back to the initial promise of remembrance, but now imbued with a deeper understanding. The final lines offer a glimpse of hope: despite the potential for heartbreak, the singer can "always get ohh so much higher / When I feel that light shine into my heart." This light, perhaps a reflection of the remembered person's spirit, provides solace and strength. The song, then, is not just about remembering someone, but about carrying their resilience within oneself, transforming the pain of desire into a catalyst for personal growth.
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