Song Meaning
This song paints a picture of a romantic nighttime escapade, bathed in the soft light of a young moon and the subtle glow of fireflies. The initial verses establish a serene, almost magical atmosphere, inviting a lover to wander through 'Morna's grove' while the rest of the world sleeps. The dominant tone is one of gentle, shared intimacy and the quiet joy of stolen moments.
The central tension arises from the desire to prolong this perfect, private experience. The lyrics propose a delightful rebellion against the natural order of day and night, suggesting that 'Tis never too late for delight.' The most compelling idea is the active choice to 'steal a few hours from the night,' framing this romantic interlude not just as a passive experience but as a deliberate act of seizing happiness and extending pleasure beyond conventional limits.
The craft here is in its consistent, almost hypnotic rhythm and the repeated invocation of 'love,' which creates a warm, enveloping feeling. The imagery is soft and natural – the 'young May moon,' the 'glow-worm's lamp' – all contributing to a sense of tender, quiet beauty. This gentle persuasion, combined with the idea of extending joy, makes the song's romantic proposition feel both sweet and slightly mischievous.