The song "Lay Of The Sunflower" by Gov't Mule tells a story of love, loss, and longing. It follows a narrative where a person must leave their loved one for a while to work in the forest of Fennario, specifically logging hardwood timber that grows there. The lyrics convey a sense of separation and longing for the person they leave behind. In the first verse, the protagonist promises to return after a season but acknowledges that they may not come back if they don't make it in time. They ask their loved one what they need to live and love, implying that they want their partner to be taken care of in their absence. They entrust their blue-eyed hound to guard their loved one and set off on their own. As time passes, winter turns into nine months of sleeted rain, and the protagonist still hasn't returned. The loved one grows worried and sends their loyal hound to find them in Fennario. However, when the protagonist finally returns, they find their loved one gone. Hurriedly, they follow their partner's path, but they can't turn back once they have gone down that path. Eventually, they find their loved one, but it's too late. She is dying, and her breath is fading away. She begs the protagonist to turn away so they don't have to witness her in such a state. The protagonist is heartbroken but cannot yield. They feel the pain of a selfsame serpent biting their heel, causing their loved one's blood to drain away. It is at this point that they lay beside her, next to their blue-eyed hound, sharing in her anguish. The song then shifts to a more symbolic tone. It mentions angels singing their souls to sleep, implying the passing of their loved one. The four winds grace their breath, perhaps symbolizing the elements of nature gently taking their loved one's spirit. Above a garden wall stands a sunflower, tall and straight, representing hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Overall, "Lay Of The Sunflower" explores themes of separation, the longing for connection, and the pain of loss. It follows a narrative of two lovers who are torn apart by circumstances they can't control, ultimately leading to a tragic ending.
