Song Meaning

These lyrics paint an intimate portrait of a beloved, observed with intense admiration. The speaker marvels at their transformative touch, noting how "Thy fingers make early flowers of all things." It's a delicate, almost reverent opening, establishing a tone of profound appreciation for the subject's subtle power. A central tension emerges from the recurring parenthetical thought: "(though love be a day)." This phrase, appearing in each stanza, constantly reminds us of love's fleeting nature, even as the speaker urges, "do not fear,we will go amaying." Yet, this tender reassurance is complicated by a sudden, sharp question in the second stanza: "for which girl art thou flowers bringing?" This unexpected query injects a jolt of vulnerability or suspicion, momentarily shattering the idyllic gaze and hinting at an underlying insecurity or a shared, unspoken history. The craft here is striking, particularly in how physical details are imbued with deeper meaning. The beloved's "hair mostly the hours love" and their "moist eyes are at kisses playing," suggesting a deep, almost cosmic connection between their being and the passage of time or the act of affection. The word "crisply" describing straying feet adds a precise, almost fragile quality to their movements, enhancing the sense of delicate beauty. Ultimately, these lyrics are effective because they confront the brevity of existence with a defiant embrace of connection. The speaker directly addresses "Death," calling it "rich beyond wishing if this thou catch." This high-stakes gamble culminates in a powerful, almost rebellious declaration: "(though love be a day and life be nothing,it shall not stop kissing)." It's a profound statement, asserting that even in the face of ultimate transience, the intimate act of love persists, making the fleeting moments feel eternal.