Avalon

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a place called Avalon, initially presented as a "land of dreams" and a "garden of love." However, this idyllic vision quickly clashes with the harsh reality of "nightmare dreams" on "Sunset Boulevard." This immediate contrast sets up a central tension: the desire for a perfect, loving sanctuary versus the messy, often disappointing nature of relationships and life. The repeated phrase "in the garden of love" acts as a refrain, attempting to anchor the experience in romantic bliss. Yet, the juxtaposition with "nasty weather" and the explicit mention of love not being "what it seems" suggests this "garden" is fragile, perhaps even illusory. The narrator seems to be clinging to the idea of this perfect love, even as external or internal forces threaten to shatter it. The most striking element is the direct confrontation between the mythical "Avalon" and the gritty "Sunset Boulevard." This isn't just a metaphor; it's a specific, jarring image that grounds the abstract concept of a dreamland in a tangible, albeit troubled, location. The "candelabra for some scenes" further hints at a performance or a staged reality within this troubled paradise, adding a layer of artificiality to the pursuit of love. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their ability to evoke a specific emotional ache. It's the feeling of desperately trying to hold onto a beautiful, perhaps imagined, ideal of love and peace, even when the surrounding circumstances are clearly signaling impending doom. The insistent repetition of "Avalon" and "garden of love" becomes less a celebration and more a plea against the encroaching "nasty weather."