My tears do not avail me

Song Meaning

These lyrics open with a stark declaration of futility. The speaker finds no relief in sorrow, stating, "My tears do not avail me." This deep despair is compounded by a persistent lack of hope, which "doth ever fail me." This profound sense of emotional bankruptcy leads to a dramatic pivot. The speaker decides that their "comfort's treasure" will now be "to live in pleasure." It's a strategic shift, not a joyful discovery, but a chosen path to cope with overwhelming sorrow and failed hope. The most intriguing line, "The more I spend, the more I may," offers a twisted justification for this new hedonistic resolve. It suggests a self-perpetuating cycle where indulgence, whether of resources or self, somehow increases capacity for more, rather than depleting it. This maxim rationalizes a life built on immediate gratification as a response to deeper emotional void. Ultimately, the lyrics present a raw, almost cynical, coping mechanism. The final embrace, "Then welcome pleasure ev'ry day," feels less like genuine delight and more like a resigned command. It's a powerful portrayal of choosing a deliberate, perhaps desperate, antidote when all other avenues for solace have proven fruitless.