Song meaning of Anon by Carol Ann Duffy

"Anon" by Carol Ann Duffy is a poignant and introspective exploration of identity, memory, and the passage of time. The song's lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection as the speaker contemplates the lives of various women they have encountered. The repeated use of the name "Anon" suggests a sense of anonymity and universality, as if these women could be anyone, including the speaker themselves.

The opening lines, "If she were here / she'd forget who she was," set the tone for the song, hinting at a sense of disconnection and loss of self. The speaker muses on the different paths these women might have taken - from being a nurse, a nanny, to a nun - highlighting the uncertainty and fluidity of identity. The line "but had packed it all in, the best verb, the right noun, for a life in the sun" suggests a longing for a simpler, more carefree existence, away from the complexities of modern life.

The image of a woman keeping her skull on a shelf in a room is a striking and haunting metaphor for the ways in which we hold onto our past selves. The line "as she worked at her desk / it cleared its throat / as though it had something to get off its chest" conveys a sense of unresolved emotions and unspoken truths. The speaker's assertion that they "know best" implies a sense of understanding and empathy for these women and their struggles.

The repeated refrain of "hey nonny hey nonny hey nonny no - Anon" adds a musical and rhythmic quality to the song, echoing the passing of time and the continuity of life. Overall, "Anon" is a deeply reflective and evocative song that invites listeners to contemplate the complexities of identity, memory, and the stories we carry with us.