Song Meaning
Nancy Wilson's rendition of "The Very Thought of You" isn't just a love song; it's a study in obsession, a sonic portrait of infatuation so complete it borders on the surreal. The song dispenses with the need for tangible reminders—photographs, portraits—because the beloved's image is already indelibly etched into the singer's consciousness. This isn't mere affection; it's a mental takeover. The opening lines establish a world where reality bends to the force of longing. Wilson's delivery, with its characteristic blend of warmth and wistful melancholy, only amplifies the sense of a mind utterly consumed.
Lyrically, the song explores how the mere contemplation of the loved one disrupts the mundane. "The very thought of you / And I forget to do / The little ordinary things / That everyone ought to do" speaks to a complete re-prioritization of existence. Normalcy fades, replaced by a "kind of daydream" where the singer reigns, queen-like, in her own fantasy. The song deftly navigates the line between romantic idealism and potential self-loss, hinting at the intoxicating, yet potentially destabilizing, power of intense romantic focus. This isn't just about being in love; it's about love reshaping reality itself.
The recurring motif of seeing the beloved's face "in every flower" and their eyes "in stars above" underscores the all-encompassing nature of this infatuation. The lyrics portray a state where the external world becomes a mirror reflecting the singer's internal obsession. Time itself warps: moments crawl by with agonizing slowness until reunion occurs. Wilson’s interpretation makes it clear this isn't simply a pleasant daydream; it's a profound alteration of perception, a testament to love's capacity to both elevate and potentially isolate. The song's true meaning lies in this potent, paradoxical blend.
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