Sienna Chords

The harmony of 'Sienna' is characterized by its restraint and atmospheric quality. Rather than utilizing complex modulations, it relies on the 'dream pop' trope of oscillating between the I and IVmaj7 chords, which creates a sense of suspended time. The emotional weight of the song is carried by the shift to the vi (Bm) in the bridge/outro, providing a minor-key melancholy that underscores the lyrics regarding a future that never came to be.

The song is a deeply personal reflection on the 'what-ifs' following the romantic breakup of lead singer María Zardoya and drummer/producer Josh Conway. During their relationship, the couple had planned to have a child and had already chosen the name 'Sienna.' The lyrics serve as a letter to this hypothetical daughter who will never be born due to the end of their relationship, mourning the loss of a future they had envisioned together.

"Sienna" is a poignant standout from the album Submarine, exploring the profound grief of a planned future that dissolved after the breakup of the band’s lead duo. The track masterfully blends ethereal bedroom pop with cinematic vulnerability, serving as a cathartic tribute to unfulfilled dreams.