Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a world saturated with complex emotions, where perception is filtered through artificiality. The narrator observes the scene "in electric lights," suggesting a manufactured or mediated reality where clarity is limited to what can be seen under these conditions. This sets a tone of detached observation, even as the narrator acknowledges a deep, enduring connection. The core tension lies in the contrast between the external, potentially harsh realities and the internal commitment to a relationship. The narrator finds solace in natural sounds like wind in trees, yet the view includes "tombs past the houses of the city," a juxtaposition of life and mortality. This duality is mirrored in the declaration of being "yours / In foul and in praying," indicating a commitment that spans both difficult and sacred times. The most striking aspect is the exploration of love's paradoxical nature. The narrator recalls a tender, intimate memory of looking at a loved one "from the side at night / With music playing," a moment of quiet affection. However, this is immediately followed by a stark warning: "love will protect you / To the edge of the wood / And a monster will get you / And love does no good." This chilling image suggests that love, while cherished, may ultimately be insufficient against certain dangers. Ultimately, the lyrics propose a profound, almost existential devotion to love itself, regardless of its practical efficacy. The final lines, "And even if love were not what I wanted / Love would make love the thing most desired," suggest that the very concept and experience of love hold an intrinsic, irresistible value. It's a testament to love's power as an ideal, a driving force that transcends specific desires or outcomes, becoming the ultimate pursuit.