There Ought to Be a Moonlight Saving Time

Song Meaning

Blossom Dearie's "There Ought to Be a Moonlight Saving Time" isn't just a cute jazz standard; it's a sly commentary on desire and the fleeting nature of romantic connection. The song cleverly inverts the concept of Daylight Saving Time, yearning for a stretched-out evening, not for productivity, but for extended intimacy. Dearie's delivery, with its characteristic blend of sweetness and knowingness, transforms a simple wish into a subtly subversive statement. The lyrics aren't about literally manipulating the moon; they're about craving more time to nurture a relationship, pushing back against the inevitable intrusion of daily life ("'Til the birdies wake and chime"). The repeated plea to "hurry up, get busy today" and "croon a tune to the man in the moon" adds a layer of playful urgency. It's as if the singer is enlisting the cosmos in her romantic quest, recognizing the power of both action and charm. This isn't passive longing; it's a proactive, albeit whimsical, attempt to influence fate. The musical arrangement, typically light and airy, belies the underlying seriousness of the sentiment. The desire for more time with a loved one, the fear of the moment slipping away – these are universal anxieties masked by Dearie's sophisticated, almost childlike, vocal style. Ultimately, the song's meaning resides in its delicate balance between fantasy and reality. "Moonlight Saving Time" is, of course, impossible. Yet, the very act of imagining it becomes a potent expression of longing. Dearie suggests that even if we can't literally control time, we can control how we spend it, prioritizing connection and cherishing the moments we have. The song resonates because it taps into the fundamental human desire to hold onto joy, to delay the inevitable return to the mundane. It’s a wish, a prayer, and a gentle nudge all wrapped up in a deceptively simple tune.