Song meaning of Answer by Carol Ann Duffy

"Answer" by Carol Ann Duffy is a poignant exploration of love and the complexities of human emotions through the metaphorical elements of stone, fire, water, and air. The speaker contemplates the different forms their lover could take, each representing a different aspect of their relationship. The repetition of the phrase "if you were" in each stanza emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the scenarios presented, highlighting the uncertainty and fluidity of love.

In the first stanza, the speaker imagines their lover as stone, emphasizing coldness and immobility. The imagery of "your kiss a fossil sealed up in your lips" and "your eyes a sightless marble" conveys a sense of emotional detachment and stagnation in the relationship. The mention of "your long legs cold as rivers locked in ice" further reinforces the idea of emotional barriers and distance.

The second stanza portrays the lover as fire, symbolizing passion and intensity. The description of "your head a wild Medusa hissing flame" and "your heart a small coal glowing in your chest" evokes a sense of danger and desire. The imagery of "your fingers burning pungent brands on flesh" suggests a destructive yet alluring quality to the relationship.

The third stanza presents the lover as water, representing depth and emotional turmoil. The imagery of "your voice a roaring, foaming waterfall" and "your breast a deep, dark lake nursing the drowned" conveys a sense of overwhelming emotions and hidden depths within the relationship. The mention of "your mouth an ocean, waves torn from your breath" further emphasizes the power and unpredictability of love.

The final stanza envisions the lover as air, symbolizing freedom and elusiveness. The description of "your face empty and infinite as sky" and "your body only breeze against my dress" conveys a sense of detachment and impermanence. The repetition of "yes, yes" throughout the poem suggests a resigned acceptance of the uncertainties and complexities of love, culminating in the realization that even if the lover were none of these elements, the answer is still "yes, yes."

Overall, "Answer" by Carol Ann Duffy delves into the intricacies of love and relationships, using vivid imagery and metaphorical language to evoke a range of emotions and experiences. The poem invites readers to reflect on the multifaceted nature of love and the ever-changing dynamics between individuals in a relationship.