​Gary W. Nichols

If you like The Band as much as I do, you're bound to have heard their song called "Ophelia". No, this isn't a cover. In fact, while lots of people have pondered and wondered about what Levon is singing about, I'll tell you this song is not mysterious, unless you've never heard of William Shakespeare. His Ophelia is the sister of Laertes and she's in love with Hamlet, as in "to be or not to be". They say he was contemplating doing himself in, which, as irony would have it, is exactly what his Ophelia succeeds in doing to herself...

 

My Ophelia may or may not have that in mind. In my scenario some unknown suitor is making a bid for her affections after he learns Hamlet has been cruel to her. As in the play, she's distraught, etc. Our guy is making some incredible claims and wild accusations. He may mean well, or he may be just trying to get lucky with a vulnerable girl. You decide. Remember, he tells her "everyone lies".

 

Hope you have fun listening...