Phosphorescent is the stage name of singer-songwriter Matthew Houck, well-known for blending indie rock, folk, and alt-country in his music.
His breakthrough album, Here’s to Taking It Easy (2009), received critical acclaim. Houck’s melancholic yet inspiring style has earned a dedicated following.
His 2013 album Muchacho featured the hit Song for Zula, which became a fan favorite. Over the years, Phosphorescent has been recognized for its songwriting and unique voice.
About the Song
Song for Zula is about the painful and transformative nature of love. It describes love as both a burning, intense force and a cage that traps and changes a person, leaving scars and a sense of struggle.
The song expresses heartbreak, the lessons learned from it, and the resolve not to open oneself to such pain again. It holds the beauty and the dark, haunting side of love in a deeply emotional and poetic way.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | January 15, 2013 |
| Album | Muchacho (2013) |
| Writers | Matthew Houck |
| Producers | Matthew Houck |
Lyrics of Song for Zula
Verse 1
Some say love is a burning thing, that it makes a fiery ring
Oh, but I know love as a fading thing
Just as fickle as a feather in a stream
See honey, I saw love, you see it came to me
It put its face up to my face so I could see
Yeah, then I saw love disfigure me
Into something I am not recognizing
Verse 2
You see, the cage, it called, I said “Come on in
I will not open myself up this way again
Nor lay my face to the soil, nor my teeth to the sand
I will not lay like this for days now upon end
You will not see me fall, nor see me struggle to stand
To be acknowledged by some touch from his gnarled hand”
You see, the cage, it called, I said “Come on in
I will not open myself up this way again”
Instrumental Break
Verse 3
You see the moon is bright in that treetop night
I see the shadows that we cast in the cold clean light
Now my feet are gold, and my heart is white
And we race out on the desert plains all night
See honey, I am not some broken thing
I do not lay here in the dark waiting for thee
No, my heart is gold and my feet are light
And I am racing out on the desert plains all night
Verse 4
Some say love is a burning thing, that it makes a fiery ring
Oh, but I know love as a caging thing
Just a killer, come to call from some awful dream
Ah and all you folks, you come to see
You just stand there in the glass looking at me
But my heart is wild and my bones are steel
And I could kill you with my bare hands if I was free
Similar Songs Like Song for Zula
These songs share a similar vibe, characterized by deep emotion, poetic lyrics, and a blend of acoustic and electronic elements, often creating a haunting and expansive mood, as seen in Song for Zula.
- Wait by M83: This dreamy and emotional song shows time passing, hope, and the cycle of life and death, blending sadness with beauty.
- Virile by The Blaze: This track highlights masculinity and emotional struggle, utilizing powerful, atmospheric sounds and deep vocals.
- To Build a Home by The Cinematic Orchestra: Gentle and heartfelt, the song speaks about finding safety and love, and the pain that comes with losing it.
- Saturn by Sleeping at Last: Filled with soft melodies and thoughtful lyrics, this song contemplates life, growth, and the universe.
Similar Artists Like Phosphorescent
If you’re a fan of Phosphorescent’s atmospheric vibe and sound, here are a few similar artists and bands to explore:
- Bon Iver
Genres: Indie Folk, Indie Rock
Top Albums: For Emma, Forever Ago (2007), Bon Iver, Bon Iver (2011), 22, A Million (2016) - Sufjan Stevens
Genres: Indie Folk, Baroque Pop
Top Albums: Illinois (2005), Carrie & Lowell (2015), The Ascension (2020) - Iron & Wine
Genres: Indie Folk, Americana
Top Albums: The Creek Drank the Cradle (2002), Our Endless Numbered Days (2004), Beast Epic (2017) - Josh Ritter
Genres: Indie Folk, Americana
Top Albums: The Animal Years (2006), So Runs the World Away (2010), Fever Breaks (2019) - Fleet Foxes
Genres: Indie Folk, Baroque Pop
Top Albums: Fleet Foxes (2008), Helplessness Blues (2011), Shore (2020) - Tallest Man on Earth
Genres: Indie Folk, Singer-Songwriter
Top Albums: Shallow Graves (2008), The Wild Hunt (2010), Dark Bird Is Home (2015)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Song for Zula Autobiographical?
Yes, the lyrics are based on Matthew Houck’s personal experiences.
How does Song for Zula Differ from Other Phosphorescent Songs?
It stands out with its hauntingly delicate blend of folk and electronic elements, setting it apart from the more traditional sounds of other Phosphorescent tracks.
What Makes Song for Zula So Memorable Lyrically?
Its poetic lyricism and unique imagery create a lasting impact, give rise to deep emotions, and create a thoughtful atmosphere that connects with listeners.
