Meaning of Shroud Of Turin by Echo & the Bunnymen

The Echo & the Bunnymen song, 'Shroud Of Turin', presents us with a deep and introspective look at the complexities of love, desire, and the limitations of human connection. The overarching theme of the song can be interpreted as the longing for something unattainable, the yearning we experience for an idealized version of love and the constant dissatisfaction that comes with it. Throughout the lyrics, there are multiple standout moments that further develop these themes and shed light on unexpected facets of human emotion.One notable line in the song is, "It never happens when you want it to, it never does what it's supposed to do." This lyric speaks to the frustrating nature of love and desire. We often find ourselves chasing after love and searching for connections, only to realize that the timing is never quite right and things don't unfold as we expect. This theme of unfulfilled expectations and longing for a perfect love adds a layer of melancholy to the song.Another significant lyric that stands out is, "I love that shroud that you're in, I love that you're maturing." This line introduces the concept of a shroud, typically associated with burial or death, being used to describe the object of affection. Here, the shroud becomes a metaphor for the barriers and mysteries present within a person. It highlights the fascination we can have with someone's complexities and the desire to delve deeper into their psyche. The mention of "maturing" also suggests that there is an appreciation for growth and change within a relationship. This theme of growth and acceptance emphasizes the idea that love is not stagnant but instead evolves and matures over time.In a surprising twist, the lyric "I love that sweet sack you're in, I love your saccharin" introduces unexpected themes of vulnerability and obsession. The reference to a "sweet sack" hints at a fascination with the physical aspect of a person, the external shell that conceals what lies beneath. This interpretation suggests a longing for a shallow connection, one based solely on surface-level attractions. However, the mention of "saccharin" adds a layer of complexity. Saccharin is an artificial sweetener, potentially alluding to a love that is chemically altered or fake, lacking in genuine emotion. This unexpected turn in the lyrics challenges the listener to question the authenticity of their desires and emotions.From the line, "We both saw beneath each other's skin, deeper than deep, we both sleep, to dream of what could be," the song delves into the realm of dreams and fantasies. This lyric explores the idea that love often exists in the realm of imagination rather than reality. We create idealized versions of our beloved in our dreams, allowing ourselves to imagine what could be. These dreams provide solace and escape from the harsh realities of love's limitations. This theme of dreaming and longing adds a touch of whimsy to the song and invites us to explore the power of our imagination in matters of the heart.Ultimately, 'Shroud Of Turin' paints a complex and multi-dimensional picture of love, desire, and the human condition. It explores the themes of longing, unfulfilled expectations, the fascination with the enigmatic qualities of a person, the delicate balance between vulnerability and obsession, and the dreams that sustain our hearts when reality falls short. Echo & the Bunnymen take us on an introspective journey, reminding us of the intricacies and complexities that accompany our search for love and connection.