Song Meaning
This is a moment of profound, almost cosmic realization. The narrator experiences a new, "strange music" that only begins when a specific person speaks. It’s not just an auditory hallucination; the lyrics suggest this "lovely hum" might originate from their own heart, a sudden internal awakening tied to another's presence. This isn't just background noise; it’s a deeply personal phenomenon.
The core tension lies in the contrast between this overwhelming, sublime "song" and the narrator's perceived inability to create it themselves. They hear a "song that I'm incapable of," highlighting a sense of awe and perhaps inadequacy in the face of this new emotional experience. This feeling fuels a desperate desire to hold onto the moment and the person, to "treasure every measure" against the threat of time.
The repetition of "You appear and I hear song sublime" emphasizes how this experience is directly triggered by the other person's presence. The "strange new music of love" is framed as something precious and fragile, something that must be actively guarded lest it fade. The lyrics suggest love itself is the source of this transformative, internal symphony.
Ultimately, the effectiveness comes from the direct, almost naive expression of wonder. The narrator isn't analyzing; they're simply experiencing this profound shift, making the discovery of love feel like a literal, world-altering sound. It captures that initial, breathtaking feeling when someone’s presence reorients your entire inner landscape.