The Best Is Yet to Come

Song Meaning

Judy Kuhn's rendition of "The Best Is Yet to Come" isn't just optimism; it's a masterclass in delayed gratification, wrapped in a romantic promise. The song's meaning hinges on the anticipation of future bliss, a potent psychological tactic that amplifies present desire. It posits that current joys are mere appetizers for a main course of unparalleled happiness, contingent on the arrival of 'the day you're mine.' This future-oriented perspective shifts the listener's focus, creating a sense of longing and expectation that intensifies the emotional impact. The opening lines, plucking a plum from the 'tree of life,' suggest a recent but incomplete fulfillment, setting the stage for a partner to unlock a higher level of existence. The lyrics are laced with metaphors of untapped potential. The sun hasn't truly shone, flight hasn't truly begun, and wine hasn't been fully savored. These aren't dismissals of past experiences but rather promises of transcendent future ones, all dependent on the union of two souls. Kuhn’s delivery, informed by her stage experience, sells this promise with conviction. The repetition of 'Wait 'til...' functions as both a seductive invitation and a clever manipulation of the listener's desire. It's the lyrical equivalent of edging, building tension by withholding complete satisfaction. Ultimately, "The Best Is Yet to Come," as interpreted by Judy Kuhn, explores the power of projected happiness in relationships. It understands how the promise of future joy, expertly dangled, can be as intoxicating as the present moment, if not more so. The song's underlying message isn't just about romantic love; it's about the human capacity to find motivation and excitement in the anticipation of future rewards, a fundamental aspect of our psychological makeup. The song suggests that true fulfillment lies not in what we have, but in what we believe is still possible, and who we believe we can become with the right partner.