Song Meaning
Nellie McKay's rendition of "The Very Thought of You" isn't just a simple cover; it's a psychological portrait of infatuation, painted with a delicate brush. The lyrics, originally a jazz standard, describe a state of blissful distraction, where the mundane realities of life—"the little ordinary things"—fade into insignificance before the overwhelming power of an idealized love. McKay's interpretation amplifies this sense of dreamy detachment, suggesting a mind almost overwhelmed by its own projections. It's not just about missing someone; it's about constructing an entire reality around their imagined presence.
The song's genius lies in its acknowledgment of this borderline-obsessive state. The singer is "happy as a queen," yet simultaneously aware that this happiness might seem "foolish." This self-awareness adds a layer of complexity, hinting at the potential for both joy and delusion within intense romantic feelings. The lyrics hint at this tension between reality and fantasy, where "every flower" reflects the beloved's face and "stars above" mirror their eyes. It's a world saturated with the object of affection, a world where the internal landscape has completely overtaken the external one.
Ultimately, "The Very Thought of You," as interpreted by McKay, explores the intoxicating and potentially destabilizing effects of idealized love. It's a song about the power of the mind to create its own reality, a reality where the mere idea of someone can eclipse everything else. The repetition of the final lines—"It's just the thought of you, the very thought of you, my love"—serves as both a mantra of devotion and a subtle warning about the dangers of losing oneself in the labyrinth of longing.
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