Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of a love that transcends typical romantic timelines, suggesting a connection forged across multiple lifetimes. The narrator observes a profound familiarity in a new partner, noting "strange young eyes familiar tears," hinting at a shared history that predates their current existence. This isn't just a new romance; it feels like a reunion, a recognition of a bond that has weathered countless seasons.
The central tension lies in the contrast between the "new life" and the "old souls" inhabiting it. The narrator acknowledges they've been given "a new life to live and learn," yet their core essence, their love, feels ancient and enduring. This creates a sense of destiny, that their paths were always meant to cross again, as stated, "Our paths have crossed and parted... long, long ago."
The most striking craft element is the recurring motif of age and time applied to love and souls. Phrases like "old love," "older than all our years," and "old souls" are juxtaposed with "new life" and "young eyes." This deliberate contrast emphasizes the timeless nature of their connection, suggesting their love is a constant thread woven through the fabric of existence, with "lives are pages" in its grand narrative.
Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they tap into a deep-seated human desire for enduring connection. The idea that love can be so profound it feels like it has always existed, and will continue to exist, offers a comforting perspective on relationships. The closing lines, "We kiss hello," powerfully encapsulate this cyclical, eternal nature of their bond, turning the traditional goodbye into a simple greeting for a love that never truly ends.