Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: goth
Song Meaning of “The Poorest Waltz” by My Dying Bride
The Poorest Waltz by My Dying Bride tells the story of a doomed relationship that’s come to an end. The narrator is dealing with the pain and regret of the situation, wishing they could turn back time and make different choices that might have ultimately saved their relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of a love that could have been, one that could have lasted even in the face of insurmountable hardship, but instead crumbled under the pressure of life.
The song begins with a mournful atmosphere, with the narrator lamenting the death of a young relationship that barely had the chance to grow, a scenario wrought with misery, regret, and sorrow. They reflect on how it all went so wrong, feeling like they “can’t take back the damage done” and wishing that they could rewind time and make better choices. Although they are aware that running away didn’t solve anything, they admit that it was too late by the time they realized it.
Verse two brings a glimmer of hope as the narrator remembers a chance encounter with their former lover, and how briefly their hearts were in sync – a chance moment of beauty, of a love and understanding that could have been. Yet here comes the conflict in the chorus, where the narrator acknowledges their own weaknesses despite wishing things could have been different and wondering if they could have loved more deeply and stayed strong even through the hardest of times.
The bridge is a melancholic moment where the narrator surfaces from their self-reflection, realizing that it’s time to leave the memories behind and move on, still living with the regrets and sorrow left by the failed relationship.
Ultimately,The Poorest Waltz is a story of a love lost, of mistakes made, of regrets kept, but also of strength found and of hope that one will be able to love again.