Song Meaning
Eliza Gilkyson's "I Become the Moon" isn't just a song; it's an invocation. It's a summoning of ancient feminine power, draped in lunar symbolism and whispered histories. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a lost matriarchal world, one where the goddess Diana reigned supreme, and the cycles of nature dictated the rhythm of life. This wasn't merely a religion; it was an embodied spirituality, a deep connection to the earth and its inherent magic. Gilkyson mourns the loss of this connection, subtly indicting the "soldiers of the holy war" and "holy greed" that supplanted it, stealing not just land but also a way of knowing. The song meaning resides in the act of remembrance itself.
The phrase "I become the moon" is the key to unlocking the song's emotional core. It's a transformative statement, an act of empathetic identification with the feminine divine. It suggests a desire to transcend the limitations of the present and reconnect with a deeper, more primal source of power. The moon, a symbol of intuition, mystery, and cyclical change, becomes a vessel for this reconnection. The references to "stars came out to play" and "danced away the gloom" evoke a sense of communal joy and celebration, a stark contrast to the current state of spiritual dispossession. The repeated line serves as both a lament and a promise – a lament for what has been lost, and a promise to keep the flame alive.
Beneath the surface of "I Become the Moon" lies a potent commentary on the suppression of feminine wisdom throughout history. The lyrics hint at the persecution of those who practiced earth-based spirituality, the silencing of voices that dared to challenge patriarchal norms. Yet, Gilkyson's song is not one of despair, but of resilience. The "traces still remain," the "dark of her perfume" lingers, and the "secret is exhumed." Through her music, Gilkyson participates in the ongoing reclamation of this lost heritage, offering a space for listeners to reconnect with their own inner knowing and to honor the enduring power of the feminine spirit. It’s about finding echoes of Diana's blood and bone in our own stories.