5 Hidden Meanings In Hounds Of Love Lyrics You Didnt Notice

Kate Bush's "Hounds of Love" is a beautifully crafted tapestry of music and meaning, where every lyric can be a puzzle to unravel. Beyond its catchy melodies and striking vocal performances, the album hides layers of interpretation beneath its surface. Let's delve into five hidden meanings in the lyrics of "Hounds of Love" that might have escaped your notice.

🐕 Hounds of Love 🐕

<img alt="Kate Bush Hounds of Love Album Artwork" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Kate+Bush+Hounds+Of+Love+Album">

The Hunt for Love

Kate Bush describes love as a pursuit, akin to hunters chasing after their prey. The song's title itself evokes imagery of hounds relentlessly following a scent. Here's what this metaphor suggests:

• Obsession and Desire: The hounds symbolize the obsessive nature of seeking love, where one can become consumed by the chase.
• Fear and Anxiety: The prey represents the fear of commitment or vulnerability.
• Persistence: Much like a hunt, love requires endurance and a refusal to give up.

The Lion and the Lamb

In the lyrics, "All the howling bows, to the sounds of her wolf", Kate introduces animal symbolism to explore the duality of love:

• Contrasting Forces: The lion symbolizes strength and passion, whereas the lamb represents innocence and purity. Love is depicted as a balance of these forces within us.

<p class="pro-note">🚩 Note: Kate often uses such dual imagery to convey the complex emotions involved in human relationships.</p>

🌊 The Big Sky 🌊

<img alt="Kate Bush Big Sky Album Cover" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Kate+Bush+Big+Sky">

The Scope of Perspective

"The Big Sky" juxtaposes the mundane with the grand:

• Expanding Horizons: The vastness of the sky reflects a broadening perspective on life.
• Hiding in Plain Sight: The lyrics suggest that life's big picture can be hidden by our daily routines.

The Microcosm and the Macrocosm

Kate reflects on the relationship between the small details of life and the grand scale of the universe:

| Microcosm | Macrocosm |
|---|---|
| Focused on small tasks | Part of a larger narrative |
| Small moments overlooked | Universal patterns at play |

🌍 Running Up That Hill 🌍

<img alt="Kate Bush Running Up That Hill Cover" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Kate+Bush+Running+Up+That+Hill">

The Struggle for Understanding

The song's title becomes a metaphor for the challenges in relationships:

• Empathy and Exchange: Kate sings about wishing to swap places with her lover, highlighting the desire for mutual understanding.
• Emotional Ascent: Just as running up a hill is difficult, so too is understanding someone else's perspective.

The Battleground of Emotions

Love is not always a peaceful journey:

• Conflict: The hill represents the emotional struggle, the battle to bridge the gap between two hearts.
• Resolution: Overcoming this struggle can lead to greater connection and compassion.

🌊 Jig of Life 🌊

<img alt="Kate Bush Jig of Life" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Kate+Bush+Jig+Of+Life">

The Dance of Fate

Kate employs the image of a jig, an old dance form, to symbolize the inevitable dance of life:

• Inevitability: The song illustrates life's preordained path, where we must all 'jig' through our struggles and joys.

The Keeper of Time

The recurring theme of time in this song hints at:

• Ephemerality: Life is fleeting, and the jig is our brief moment to make the most of it.

🌑 Waking the Witch 🌑

<img alt="Kate Bush Waking the Witch" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Kate+Bush+Waking+The+Witch">

Societal Judgment

The song tackles the fear of judgment and the societal witch hunt:

• Conformity: Kate addresses the pressure to conform to societal expectations, particularly for women.

Awakening Feminine Power

The title suggests:

• Empowerment: An awakening of feminine energy, breaking free from historical constraints.

The Tyranny of 'Goodness'

Kate critiques the oppressive nature of enforced 'goodness':

• Suppression: The 'witch' represents the parts of ourselves society deems unacceptable, forcing us to hide or suppress them.

The Huntress and the Hunted

The song shifts the traditional roles, where:

• Active Roles: The huntress actively pursues her destiny, empowering herself.

Throughout "Hounds of Love," Kate Bush explores themes of love, struggle, societal norms, and the universal human experience. Each song delves deep into emotions, using metaphors to unveil hidden facets of the psyche. These layered meanings enrich the album, making it a timeless exploration of the human condition.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What inspired Kate Bush to write "Hounds of Love"?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Kate Bush drew inspiration from various sources, including literature like Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights," personal experiences, and her fascination with the natural and supernatural world.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How does Kate Bush's use of symbolism enhance her songwriting?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Kate Bush uses symbolism to convey complex emotions and ideas in a vivid, memorable manner, making her lyrics resonate deeply with listeners on multiple levels.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are there any other hidden meanings in Kate Bush's lyrics?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely, Kate Bush's lyrics are rich with hidden meanings. Many of her songs, like "The Ninth Wave" suite, explore themes of rebirth, death, and the mystical journey of the soul through symbolism and mythology.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>