The Meaning Behind The Song: Possession by Sarah McLachlan
The Meaning Behind Sarah McLachlan’s “Possession”: A Haunting Tale of Obsession and Stalking
If you’re a fan of Sarah McLachlan, you’re probably familiar with her hit song “Possession”. Released in 1993, the song quickly became a fan favorite but what many didn’t realize at the time was that “Possession” was actually inspired by the dark side of fame.
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The Backstory
In the early 90s, Sarah McLachlan was on top of the world. After years of hard work, her music career was finally taking off and she was quickly becoming one of the most famous and beloved musicians of her time.
However, with fame came a dark side that McLachlan never could have anticipated. In 1992, she received a disturbing letter from a male fan that contained graphic and explicit details about his sexual fantasies involving her.
McLachlan was understandably shaken by the letter and, like many victims of stalking, struggled with feelings of fear, shame, and helplessness. It wasn’t until she began writing music as a way to cope with her experience that she stumbled upon what would become the haunting lyrics of “Possession”.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Possession” are dark and visceral, a window into the mind of someone who is both consumed by and consumed with another person.
“Listen as the wind blows
From across the great divide
Voices trapped in yearning
Memories trapped in time
The night is my companion
And solitude my guide
Would I spend forever here
And not be satisfied?”
As the song continues, McLachlan’s lyrics become more and more intense, painting a picture of a man who is obsessed with her and will stop at nothing to possess her.
“I would be the one
To hold you down
Kiss you so hard
I’ll take your breath away
And after I’d wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes dear”
While McLachlan has never publicly named the man who stalked her, it’s clear from these lyrics that she was deeply affected by his behavior and the pain and fear that it caused her.
The Legacy
“Possession” continues to be one of Sarah McLachlan’s most popular songs, in part because of the haunting melody and emotional lyrics, but also because of the vulnerability and honesty that McLachlan shows in sharing her experience with the world.
For many fans, “Possession” is a reminder of the dark side of fame and the toll that it can take on a person’s mental health and well-being. It’s also a call to action to take stalking and harassment seriously and to do more to support those who have experienced it.
The Takeaway
In many ways, “Possession” is a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the harm that it can cause to those who are targeted by it. While Sarah McLachlan’s experience was extreme, it’s sadly not uncommon for famous people to be targeted by stalkers or harassed by fans.
As fans, it’s up to us to respect the boundaries of our favorite musicians and recognize that they are human beings with real feelings and emotions. And as a society, it’s up to us to do more to protect victims of stalking and harassment and to hold those who engage in these behaviors accountable for their actions.
In the end, “Possession” is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and caring for those around us. May we all strive to be better, kinder humans in the wake of this haunting and unforgettable song.
