Lilac Wine Lyrics
I gave myself in that misty light
Was hypnotized by a strange delight
Under a lilac tree
Put my heart in its recipe
It makes me see what I want to see
And be what I want to be
Do things I never should do
I drink much more that I ought to drink
Because it brings me back you
Like my love
Lilac wine, I feel unsteady,
Like my love
Isn't that she, coming to me
Nearly here
Where's my love
Lilac wine, I feel unsteady,
Where's my love
Isn't that she, or am I just going crazy, dear
Feel unready, for my love.

Didn't Nina Simone sing this? It's about a woman (man in Jeff's case) who has just parted with a lover. Drinking lilac wine brings back memories of their love, but the visions are fleeting and she must go back to being alone. It's probably the saddest song I've ever heard.

what an incredible song. definitely one that makes my heart ache... i think that everyone who has lost someone they love can identify with the poetry of the lyrics.
the speaker has obviously lost someone he loves, and the only way to regain her is to drink himself into oblivion. i'd like to think that he reaches her at the end... whether through a hallucination, a dream, or through death.
jeff buckley's incredible voice carries the meaning of the song to a whole different level.

this song is extremly personal for me, as all jeff's songs are. ive had a hard time growing up with my mother. this song discribes one extremly emotional night in my life when my mother and i had a fairly violent fight, i left the house and came back later that night to find her playing that song...everytime i listen to it, i remember that night, jeff sings it in a way that i feel he is singing about my life

I agree with the above interpretation. Many people seem to think alkies lead barren, pointless lives. This song helps to explain that alcoholics know that "real life is paler, duller and contains less potential for unexpected delirium." (Nick Hornby, Fever Pitch.) The price for this can be loss of family, friends, possesions and so on. So, the big question is - is it worth the price? Sometimes it is.
"Oblivion is Privilege - It has a fee" - Richie Edwards

This song is so atmospheric - I don't know what it's about, but I love it! :)

it wasn't written by jeff buckley, it's a cover but i don't remember who actually wrote it. very good cover though !! Jeff is just THE artist !

ohhh i know who wrote it...cant remember....read the book dream brother..its great..tells all about him and his dad..and all of their songs

Elkie Brooks did this dunno whether it was the original, But Jeff's Version is sooooo good.....What a waste of talent

I love this song. I think it's about suicide. Lilac leaves are poisonous, and he makes a wine of it and drinks it to die and join his lover, who has already died. (Think Romeo and Juliet). But then those last lines.."I feel unready for my love". ..haunting and so moving.

i think he is trying to make a link to his alcholism when he sang this, he is just after being dumped and so he drinks and the drink causes him to question the whole thing of love