What is the meaning of Judy Collins' lyrics to Albatross?

Answer 1

The song is about a young lady on the morning the funeral of a close relative, possibly a husband or more likely, a parent. The lyrics rebound between descriptins of what is taking place matter of factly and her thoughts and feelings. It is clearly a beautiful day by the sea but the chorus contrasts this with the loneliness and darkness of the night which she faces alone. The day itself seems to crowd her out with all the well wishing people. Maybe she wishes it would all just go away and wonders if a 'prince' will save her or will she succombe to her own demise and fly off with the albatross. Not sure about the last bit but if you read the lyrics with a description of her turmoil facing the day of the funeral in mind it all makes sense.

Answer 2

The song's distinctly Victorian imagery allows us to imagine a young woman constrained by her "unseemly" desires and the demands of her social status. Her clothing, "lavender" (very feminine) and "leather" (suitable for more adventurous activities) sets up the primary conflict. She is impatient with the "young men holding violets" who come courting her ("They cover you with veils of wonder as if you were a bride") and, "curious to know if you have cried," are not particularly interested in whatever answer she gives, presuming to "tell you why and ask you why either way you answer."

The activities in which she's allowed to engage -- such as "embroidery"-- "hold you in and keep you out but you survive; Imprisoned in your bones behind the isinglass windows of your eyes." (The small windows in wood stoves are made of isinglass, giving us a hint of her fiery temperament kept in check by social conventions.)

The most significant phrase is the one that indicates her fate: "The knot of tears around your throat is crystalizing into your desire." Though she hopes for "a prince who rides along the sea and the mountains" and hears the train as a clarion call to "Come away," she knows that neither of these things will happen. Her frustrations choke her. Instead of breaking free, she wills herself to become cold and embittered.

Answer 3

I think it is a song about the burden of fame, and living a normal life in the midst of it. Fame must be horrible sometimes, people thinking they know you or that you would like to be constantly interrupted on a normal day by recognition and praise from a stranger.