About the Song
Background
- U2 Connection: Surprisingly, this iconic Roy Orbison song was written by Bono and The Edge from U2. Bono was inspired to write the song after rediscovering Orbison’s classic “In Dreams” through the film Blue Velvet.
- Posthumous Release: Orbison recorded “She’s a Mystery to Me” shortly before his passing in December 1988. It was released on his final album, Mystery Girl, in 1989 and also inspired the album’s title.
- Critical Success: The song was well-received by music critics, who considered it a late-career highlight for Orbison.
Themes
- Mystique and Allure: The core theme revolves around the captivating and enigmatic nature of a woman. The singer is fascinated by her, finding her alluring yet impossible to fully understand.
- Unrequited Love?: There’s a hint of unrequited love or a longing for an unattainable woman. The singer seems unsure of her feelings for him, adding to the mystery.
- Classic Orbison Style: The song blends Orbison’s signature operatic vocals and dramatic arrangements with U2’s touch, reflecting both artists’ sensibilities.
Lyrics
Here are some key lyrical excerpts that highlight the themes:
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Opening lines: “She’s a mystery to me, She’s an open book you see.”
- This sets the stage – the woman is a paradox, both obvious and hidden.
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The Chorus: “Just when I think I’m close to knowing She slips away again, oh”
- Emphasizes the constant search for understanding and the frustration when that knowledge remains just out of reach.
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Lingering Questions: “Does she really want me Does she really care”
- Points towards potential unrequited feelings from the singer’s perspective.
Overall
“She’s a Mystery to Me” is a testament to Roy Orbison’s timeless voice and the unique collaboration with U2. It captures the essence of being captivated by someone impossible to entirely unravel, making it both enchanting and relatable.
Video
Lyric
Darkness falls and she will take me by the handTake me to some twilight landWhere all but love is greyWhere I can’t find my wayWithout her as my guide
Night falls I’m cast beneath her spellDaylight comes our heaven turns to hellAm I left to burn and burn eternally
She’s a mystery to meShe’s a mystery girlShe’s a mystery girl
In the night of love words tangled in her hairWords soon to disappearA love so sharp it cutLike a switchblade to my heartWords tearing me apart
She tears again my bleeding heartI want to run she’s pulling me apartFallen angel cries and I just melt away
She’s a mystery to meShe’s a mystery girlShe’s a mystery girlShe’s a mystery girlShe’s a mystery girl
Haunted by her side is the darkness in her eyesThat so enslaves meBut if my love is blindThen I don’t want to seeShe’s a mystery to me
Night falls I’m cast beneath her spellDaylight comes our heaven turns to hellAm I left to burn and burn eternally
She’s a mystery to meShe’s a mystery girlShe’s a mystery girlShe’s a mystery girlShe’s a mystery girl
She’s a mystery girlShe’s a mystery girlShe’s a mystery girlShe’s a mystery girl
She’s a mystery girlShe’s a mystery girl