First and Last and Always

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship steeped in a sense of enduring, almost fated, connection. The opening lines immediately establish a mood of weariness and a longing for a past that feels distant, with "dead days" and a future that's "hard to find." This sense of stagnation is amplified by the feeling that time has stretched out, "twenty-five years of" repeated promises and worn-out experiences. The core of the song lies in the stark, declarative chorus: "First and last and always: Mine." This phrase, repeated with increasing intensity, suggests an absolute claim of possession or devotion that transcends time. It’s a powerful assertion of ownership, whether of a person, a feeling, or a destiny, that feels both possessive and eternal. The bridge introduces a note of doubt and vulnerability, questioning the ease of this commitment with "Maybe it's not so easy." The plea, "Say, say you'll be by me, / When the evidence comes along," hints at external pressures or future challenges that could test this bond. Yet, even this doubt is framed within the context of an unwavering commitment, as the chorus returns with "My calling, my time," reinforcing the idea that this connection is integral to the narrator's identity and purpose. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate through their stark, almost gothic declaration of eternal belonging. The repetition of "First and last and always" acts as an incantation, solidifying a bond that feels both deeply personal and cosmically ordained. The contrast between the weary present and the absolute certainty of the chorus creates a compelling emotional tension, leaving the listener with a sense of an unbreakable, if perhaps burdensome, connection.