Song Meaning
This song paints a picture of an idyllic escape, a place far removed from ordinary reality. The narrator envisions a dream house built on love, situated in a fantastical locale "East of the sun and west of the moon." This isn't just about a physical location; it's a metaphor for a perfect, almost mythical, state of being with a loved one. The imagery of being "close to the sun in the day" and "near to the moon at night" suggests a constant, balanced presence of warmth and gentle light, mirroring the desired state of their relationship.
The central tension lies in the desire for an eternal, unchanging love. The lyrics repeatedly emphasize permanence: "Forever and a day" and "Love will not die." This aspiration for an unbreakable bond is directly tied to the fantastical setting, implying that such perfect love can only exist in a place beyond the constraints of the real world. The narrator is actively seeking to "keep it that way," highlighting a proactive commitment to preserving this ideal state.
The most striking aspect of the craft is the use of impossible geography as a backdrop for absolute devotion. The phrase "East of the sun and west of the moon" is repeated, grounding the entire fantasy in this surreal, unattainable space. It’s a place where "harmony of life" can be found to "a lovely tune," suggesting that in this perfect realm, everything aligns effortlessly. The lyrics don't just describe love; they situate it in a realm where its perfection is guaranteed by its very location.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics comes from their pure, unadulterated romanticism. The writing creates a powerful sense of longing for a love that exists in a perfect, almost otherworldly, harmony. By anchoring this ideal in a place that defies logic and geography, the song taps into a deep-seated desire for a love that is as boundless and eternal as the cosmos itself.