Now is the Cool of the Day

Song Meaning

Kathy Mattea's rendition of "Now is the Cool of the Day" resonates as a deceptively simple, yet profound, spiritual allegory. The lyrics, presented as a direct address from a higher power, outline a covenant: humanity's stewardship of Earth in exchange for continued residence in this 'garden.' The repeated phrase 'And I'll return in the cool of the day' evokes a sense of both promise and impending judgment, a recurring motif of accountability. The song sidesteps overt dogma, choosing instead to focus on tangible responsibilities – keeping the 'grasses green,' the 'waters clean,' feeding the lambs, and ensuring freedom. These aren't abstract theological concepts; they are concrete actions with real-world implications. The chorus, with its declaration that 'this earth it is a garden / The garden of my Lord,' acts as a powerful reminder of the sacredness inherent in the natural world. It's a call to recognize the divine within the mundane, to see environmental and social responsibility not as burdens but as acts of devotion. The 'cool of the day' itself becomes symbolic. Traditionally a time of rest and reflection, here it represents a moment of reckoning, a time when the divine presence returns to assess humanity's work. The song meaning, therefore, hinges on this constant cycle of stewardship and evaluation. Ultimately, "Now is the Cool of the Day" transcends simple religious platitudes. It's a sophisticated meditation on the interconnectedness of faith, action, and environmental consciousness. The lyrics imply that true faith isn't just about belief, but about actively contributing to the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. It is a challenge to live up to our responsibilities and a reminder that our actions have consequences, both for ourselves and for the world around us, under the ever-present gaze of something greater.