The Importance Of Evergreen

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of an idealized, almost mythical past, a "crystal clear" world that was "ever taught." This perfect state is intrinsically linked to the concept of "evergreen," suggesting a timeless, unchanging beauty. The narrator seems to be searching for this lost ideal, wondering about "what the price may cost" to reclaim it. The imagery shifts from domestic comfort, like a "picnic day with Mornay" by the "fireplace" and a "mother's face," to grand, almost fantastical scenes of "Camelot" and "Niagara Falls." The central tension lies in the contrast between these idyllic visions and the present reality, which is implied to be less pure or perfect. The repeated phrase "Is to find" or "Is Anado" suggests a quest or a longing for these specific, almost archetypal moments of happiness and beauty. The mention of "nightingales" and "ivy covered halls" further evokes a sense of romantic, historical, or fairy-tale perfection that the narrator yearns to experience or rediscover. The most striking aspect is the recurring motif of "evergreen," presented as both a state of being and a source of profound, perhaps unattainable, happiness. The repeated chorus, "Evergreen, Oh Evergreen," coupled with the imperative "Your seeds must now be sown" and "Own all the winds be blown!" transforms the concept into an active pursuit. It suggests that this ideal state isn't just a memory or a dream, but something that requires deliberate action and resilience to cultivate and spread, even in the face of external forces. This lyrical construction is effective because it taps into a universal desire for enduring beauty and happiness, framing it through a series of evocative, if somewhat disparate, images. The shift from intimate domestic scenes to grand, almost legendary landscapes creates a sense of vast scope for this ideal. Ultimately, the lyrics suggest that true fulfillment lies in actively nurturing and embracing this "evergreen" essence, allowing it to weather any storm and all challenges, represented by the "winds be blown."