Matthew Prior - A Song - If Wine and Music Hath the Power

Song Meaning

The speaker is enduring a lonely night, deeply missing someone named Cloe. They consider turning to wine and music for temporary relief. This initial mood of melancholic longing quickly pivots, however, to an eager anticipation of Cloe's return. The central tension of these lyrics lies in the stark contrast between the present moment's sorrow and the future's promised joy. The "sickness of the soul" and "sorrows of this live-long night" are presented as heavy burdens. Yet, the abrupt declaration, "But she to-morrow will return," instantly shifts the emotional landscape, transforming the speaker's focus from coping with absence to celebrating an imminent reunion. What truly elevates these lyrics is the speaker's invocation of classical deities. Phoebis (Apollo) and Bacchus are called upon to "ease the sickness," but it's Venus, the goddess of love, who is asked to be "great" for Cloe's return. This isn't just a personal longing; it's a grand, almost ritualistic appeal, suggesting the depth of the speaker's devotion and the profound significance of Cloe's presence. The imagery of "myrtles strow, thy odours burn" paints a vivid picture of a sacred, celebratory welcome. These lyrics are effective because they capture the universal human experience of enduring a difficult present by fixating on a longed-for future. The sharp emotional pivot, from a night of solitary yearning to a morning of divine celebration, makes the speaker's hope palpable. It's a testament to how anticipation can transform even the most profound sadness into a vibrant, almost sacred, joy.