What does The Blower’s Daughter Mean?

“The Blower’s Daughter,” by Damien Rice, is a song about a complex, unhealthy infatuation or relationship, likely with the daughter of his clarinet teacher. The song explores themes of unhealthy obsession, unrequited love, and the pain of heartbreak, with the singer grappling with intense feelings and a desire to move on.

Here’s a breakdown of the meaning:

The Blower:
The title itself is a point of interpretation, potentially referring to:
A precursor to the telephone in Britain.
The clarinet, an instrument Rice plays.
The clarinet teacher’s daughter, who is the object of the singer’s obsession.
The Relationship:
The lyrics suggest a relationship where the singer is deeply infatuated with the “Blower’s Daughter” and is struggling with intense emotions, possibly even feelings of loathing intertwined with desire.
Heartbreak and Moving On:
The song’s final line, “Til I find somebody new,” implies that the singer is aware of the unhealthy nature of the relationship and the inevitability of heartbreak, suggesting a desire to move on.
Unhealthy Obsession:
The repeated phrases “I can’t take my eyes off of you” and “I can’t take my mind off of you” highlight the obsessive nature of the singer’s feelings.
Potential for Interpretation:
The ambiguity of the lyrics and the lack of specific details from Damien Rice about the song’s meaning allow for various interpretations, including a fictional story or a real-life experience, perhaps with Lisa Hannigan, who was in a relationship with Rice.