Song Meaning
Sheena Easton's "Eternity" isn't just a love song; it's an exploration of devotion bordering on existential dependency. The opening lines paint a picture of longing, where time stretches into an agonizing "eternity" in the absence of the beloved. The singer craves not just physical intimacy ("your arms") but a deeper connection—"the life inside you"—suggesting the lover provides a vital source of protection and meaning in a world perceived as harmful. This hints at a relationship dynamic where one partner's well-being is profoundly intertwined with the other's presence, potentially to an unhealthy degree. The anxiety expressed in the line, "I only pray that its not just another god," subtly acknowledges the risk of placing a partner on a pedestal, of seeking salvation rather than simply love.
The core of the song, the repeated chorus, reinforces this desire for unending connection: "Eternity, I want to be with you for all eternity." This yearning transcends mere romantic affection, verging on a spiritual quest for completion. The lyrics portray the loved one as the alpha and omega, the defining narrative of the singer's existence: "You are the beginning, middle and end to every story told." The assertion that the beloved is "the science of my mind" elevates the relationship to an intellectual and emotional imperative, suggesting the singer's very understanding of the world is filtered through this connection. It’s a bold, if potentially unsettling, declaration of complete surrender.
Later in the song, the passing of time is again a point of emphasis. The singer recalls that it "seems like a year away that you and I were making love". This line emphasizes how the singer's perception of time is warped by longing. The admission that "all my dreams are made of eternity" underscores the all-consuming nature of this desire. "Eternity" becomes more than just a measure of time; it's the ultimate aspiration, the very fabric of the singer's dreams. Easton captures the intoxicating, and potentially dangerous, allure of a love that promises not just happiness, but a sense of completeness that borders on obsession.