you could be lost but you belong to the world | ‘Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land’ Thoughts 🌿🏺🌺

ANCIENT DREAMS IN A MODERN LAND [DELUXE] – MARINA

Mini-Review: as a massive fan of Marina, I was so excited for this album. I feel confident in saying this album has been well received. She has such an individual voice in the industry, alongside the retro aesthetic of music and expanse of lyrics. I always admire how she explores so many different themes in music, in political and personal ways. This album felt like a mash-up of many themes giving it an almost split personality. However, I think a word that connects the whole album is confidence. Whether through Marina’s voice, the messages of the music or the feelings it passes on, it is always in support of self-love and voice empowerment. Froot does remain my favourite Marina album, but I am more than happy to add this one to my collection. Plus, I have GREAT memories with this album after seeing her in concert recently! 😍

(track one) ANCIENT DREAMS IN A MODERN LAND

🌿 “You could be lost but you belong to the world
We’re now living in a seminal age
The walls are being broken and we’re ready for change” 🌿

Firstly, I love the title of this song/album. You can interpret it in many ways. As I’ve mentioned, I love Marina’s lyrics. They are always so thought-provoking, open and relevant. “you are not here to conform.” It probably isn’t a favourite tune, but it’s Marina. It’s an easy listen regardless.

Bonus… “You could be lost, but you belong to the world” is one of my favourite quotes.

(track two) VENUS FLY TRAP

🌿 “I know that money ain’t important (Ah)
And it don’t mean you’re the best (Oh)
But I earned it all myself
And I’m a millionairess” 🌿

This is the most self-confident track as the subject is essentially ‘her’ in a positive, high energy way. It can be interpreted as not like other girls, but I don’t think it is that way. I think anyone could sing this song and it be about them. Maybe I’m romanticising it… I dunno? It is a catchy song, distinct, kinda weird, but awesome.

(track three) MAN’S WORLD

🌿 “Burnt me at the stake
You thought I was a witch, centuries ago
Now you just call me a bitch” 🌿

From “do you really want me to write a feminist anthem?” to an actual feminist anthem.

I love feminist songs. We all need reminders of female power and acknowledgement that it is far from equal. In classic Marina style, she covers an impressive breadth of the topic in a short space… From witch to bitch, “time to comprehend” to “nobody’s keeping score”.

(track four) PURGE THE POISON

🌿 “From every disaster, you are not my master” 🌿

This is the catchiest, most energetic song on the album to me. It has a great beat, alongside fabulous lyrics.

It was my favourite single, and it remains my favourite upbeat song on the album. It is just perfect. It frankly captured my spirit and body with its retro, disco vibe.

What makes it even better is the lyrics. Marina had some of the best lyrics because they are so different and open to analysation. This song can be interpreted as having the earth as the narrator, proving her creative talent. You can listen back and appreciate a new meaning of the lyrics every time. And calling people poison and saying “you are not my master” from the earth POV is forever iconic.

(track five) HIGHLY EMOTIONAL PEOPLE

🌿 “Emotions are a part of our design” 🌿

Marina seems to like songs about emotions, and I love it. I admire how this song essentially says, “yeah, we are emotional. What’s wrong with that?”. There is still a stigma around displaying emotions, especially for men. It is wrong because you have to feel emotions and act on them. It’s just part of life, and silence helps no one. It is definitely an important message, and I love her angelic vocals in the song so much. If there was ever a time to use the word pure, it is here for these vocals. 

(track six) NEW AMERICA

🌿 “No matter what, the story’s catching up on you” 🌿

This is the most politically inclined song, so it has probably collected a fair few tears from naysayers. I wonder if some people would say it is not her place to talk about America’s crimes, but I think it does well to touch upon an array of America’s sins.

I appreciate the hope and observational nature of this song. Whilst America is so far from perfect, hope is vital. I like how the most significant source of hope was founded in speaking the truth. Literally what this song is all about. To speak out on the errors and stop letting so many deeds continue in the shadow. It’s the first step. It’s the truth that is new to America.

(track seven) PANDORA’S BOX

🌿 “I kept my hope alive
But I don’t wanna be the bearer
Of pain just so we can survive” 🌿

Pandora’s box. The legendary Greek tale of Pandora. She was told to leave the jar/box alone, but she opened it. Letting out physical and emotional curses to all people… aka, the source of unexpected suffering… until hope.

In this song, pandora’s box felt very much like a metaphor for the relationship/herself. The partner seemed to bring out a lot of darkness and pain. This relationship became the worse it could be. Then the need for hope, but is hope for the survival of the relationship or the end of it? I feel it is the latter.

(track eight) I LOVE YOU BUT I LOVE ME MORE

🌿 “You try to tell me that we’re so deep in love
Well if we were, then why did we fuck it up? (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
Told you before that love isn’t enough” 🌿

This has got to be one of my favourite songs! It is sOoOo powerful, and perfect for the current social climate in so many ways. The way Marina talks about love is absolutely stunning… It is never just true love or heartbreak. It is very nuanced.

“Love isn’t enough” is one of my favourite quotes. I don’t mean it negatively. Just that relationships are hard work that needs commitment, time, communication, support, trust, and even adjustment. Love isn’t enough on its own for relationships to survive. One of the hardest lessons to learn but necessary at times.

(track nine) FLOWERS

🌿 “But I would rather not
Betray myself, just to keep your love at any cost” 🌿

Essentially reminding you not to take things and people for granted. It is all in the small details. Pay attention.

(track ten) GOODBYE

🌿 “I’ve been a mother to everyone else
To every motherfucker except myself
And I don’t even have any kids
Goodbye to the girl that I’d been” 🌿

This song is a masterpiece. 🙏🏻 The strong vocals. The ah-mazing lyrics. The piano felt almost Elton John like but brand new and exciting. I. AM. OBSESSED. It is soooo freaking beautiful. Also, it has one of the BEST uses of motherf***er ever.

“goodbye to the girl that I was” is one of my favourite lyrics. People are constantly changing, and this song is almost like a romanticised version of reflecting on that change. It says ‘I liked who I was back then, but I love who I am now’. It gives time to say goodbye (to the old you and past relationship) but knows the new steps are best for you. Just ✨perfect✨.

(deluxe: track eleven) HAPPY LONER

🌿 “When I’m alone, things are under control
When I’m alone, I can turn off the world” 🌿

The themes of this song certainly appeal to my introverted nature. Being overwhelmed by society, I get it. It’s hard out there… it is really insane to want to stay away? I like how it explores these themes, especially as not everyone gets it. It may be something you feel temporarily or throughout your life. I appreciated how this song comforted these feelings in both lyrics and melody. A reminder it is okay to feel this way. You are not alone in your loneliness.

(deluxe: track twelve) PINK CONVERTIBLE

🌿 “We’re so fucking blind, praying we’ll be fine
We keep laughing all the time, driving in the sunshine” 🌿

The song version of “let’s ignore our problems and focus on LA vibes”. ✌🏻 I think it is quite brave to look at this mindset because it calls out ignorance. Society doesn’t like to be called ignorant. It ruins said ignorance. I think it is important to note the use of “we” throughout the song because ignorance is a group effort. Something we may be guilty of on a personal level (although, sometimes we all need the break for self sanity) and certainly as a society. Calling it out in the first step… this isn’t just Marina doing it… People have been for ages… centuries and more… But a lesson that should be shoved down people’s throats, and this artistic expression was a unique and beautiful way to do it.

(deluxe: track thirteen) FREE WOMAN

🌿 “In twenty years, my face will be a shadow of my youth
They’ll try erase my wrinkles, yeah, they’ll try erase my truth” 🌿

Another feminist anthem 👊. Quite an individual focus on this one, rather than a look at social structures. It feels like it says the way to find freedom from patriarchal society relies on inner strength and appreciation of yourself… Because, let’s be honest, society doesn’t give you that s**t. You need to remember to make decisions away from social pressure and expectations to find your freedom.

I particularly like the comments on ageing. Society fears it… More so for women, because their loss of beauty is a tragedy, you know? Women aren’t silver foxes. They require hair dye.

I love all the songs, this is just a fun activity to do. My opinion is constantly changing but at the minute these are the songs from my least to most favourite…

13. ancient dreams in a modern land
14. happy loner
15. new america
16. pandora’s box
17. free woman
18. man’s world
19. pink convertible
20. venus fly trap
21. flowers
22. purge the poison
23. highly emotional people
24. i love you but i love me more
25. goodbye

Have you got any favourite Marina songs? What did you think of this album? Any songs which stood out to you and why?