Saved (Swans song)

"Saved" is a song by the American experimental rock band Swans, featured on their 1989 album The Burning World. While The Burning World is generally considered a departure from Swans' earlier, more abrasive and minimalist sound, "Saved" represents one of the album's more accessible and conventionally structured tracks.

The song is characterized by its relatively upbeat tempo and prominent use of acoustic instruments, including acoustic guitar and piano. Michael Gira's vocals are delivered in a more melodic and less confrontational style than typically associated with his earlier work.

Lyrically, "Saved" explores themes of redemption, salvation, and the search for meaning amidst despair. The lyrics suggest a desire to be rescued or delivered from a difficult situation or state of being. Despite the presence of darker undertones prevalent in much of Swans' discography, "Saved" offers a glimmer of hope and a sense of seeking solace.

While not one of Swans' best-known or most influential songs, "Saved" provides insight into the band's willingness to experiment with different musical styles and lyrical themes during the late 1980s. It stands as a notable example of the stylistic shift that occurred with The Burning World, showcasing a softer and more commercially oriented sound for the band, even if only briefly. The song is often viewed as a transitional piece within Swans' extensive and varied musical output.