I've read all of the other comments, and they've really helped to clear things up. I don't know that I have anything to add in that respect. Instead I'll just marvel.
The first few times I listened to the album, a few songs stood out. This was not one of them. And then I heard it late at night, sitting in bed, and I was just awestruck. It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. It makes me feel like I'm slowly drifting into sleep, or death..
More than that, I'm on the verge of tears almost every time. All I can think about is my own father, the fact that I'll someday lose him.. and that maybe this is what it will feel like. But it's beautiful, it's sad but accepting, and so utterly peaceful.
Enough5 has an interesting interpretation. After looking past my initial emotional response, I can see what he's talking about. It makes a good deal of sense. At first I had thought that the "white" motif was in reference to the pallor of death, but I did think there was something a bit off with that perception. The "white" imagery, the mention of snow and Christmas, seems especially strange when one considers that this is taking place in South Georgia, where snow would be extremely rare (and snow is often associated with Christmas). Even the music has a wintry feel.. at least for me. Perhaps I'm biased since it frequently snows in the winter here.
I guess I see it as having a dual nature: there's the negative aspect which enough5 has mentioned, but the song as a whole evokes some rather strong emotions in the listener. The first time I listened to it I got the impression of both deep love and deep sadness. Repeated listens bring out a sense of resignation, pure wonder at life, and little bitterness.
I've read all of the other comments, and they've really helped to clear things up. I don't know that I have anything to add in that respect. Instead I'll just marvel.
The first few times I listened to the album, a few songs stood out. This was not one of them. And then I heard it late at night, sitting in bed, and I was just awestruck. It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. It makes me feel like I'm slowly drifting into sleep, or death..
More than that, I'm on the verge of tears almost every time. All I can think about is my own father, the fact that I'll someday lose him.. and that maybe this is what it will feel like. But it's beautiful, it's sad but accepting, and so utterly peaceful.
Enough5 has an interesting interpretation. After looking past my initial emotional response, I can see what he's talking about. It makes a good deal of sense. At first I had thought that the "white" motif was in reference to the pallor of death, but I did think there was something a bit off with that perception. The "white" imagery, the mention of snow and Christmas, seems especially strange when one considers that this is taking place in South Georgia, where snow would be extremely rare (and snow is often associated with Christmas). Even the music has a wintry feel.. at least for me. Perhaps I'm biased since it frequently snows in the winter here.
I guess I see it as having a dual nature: there's the negative aspect which enough5 has mentioned, but the song as a whole evokes some rather strong emotions in the listener. The first time I listened to it I got the impression of both deep love and deep sadness. Repeated listens bring out a sense of resignation, pure wonder at life, and little bitterness.