Simon & Garfunkel, the iconic folk-rock duo, have crafted some of the most memorable and enduring songs of the 20th century. Among their rich catalog, “April Come She Will” stands out as a delicate and poetically nuanced piece. This song, often overshadowed by their more popular hits like “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” is a testament to the duo’s lyrical depth and musical subtlety.
Meaning of “April Come She Will”
“April Come She Will” is a song that weaves simplicity with profound emotion. Here are some key aspects and deeper meanings of the song:
- Seasonal Metaphor: The song uses the changing seasons as a metaphor for the stages of a relationship. Each month signifies a different phase, beginning with the freshness of April and ending with the bleakness of winter.
- Cycle of Love: The progression from April to August represents the lifecycle of a romantic relationship, from its blooming start to its eventual fading.
- Transience of Beauty: The fleeting nature of the seasons mirrors the ephemeral beauty of love and youth.
- Bittersweet Acceptance: There’s a subtle acceptance of the inevitable decay in relationships, akin to the natural cycle of seasons.
The artist intended to capture the fleeting moments in life and love, underscoring the beauty and sadness intertwined in these experiences. The song evokes feelings of nostalgia, melancholy, and a poignant appreciation for transient moments.
April come she will
When streams are ripe and swelled with rain;
This line sets the scene in early spring, symbolizing a time of new beginnings and growth. The “ripe and swelled” streams are metaphors for burgeoning emotions and the fresh bloom of a new relationship.
May, she will stay,
Resting in my arms again.
The month of May represents comfort and stability in the cycle of a relationship. The imagery of resting in someone’s arms suggests a deepening connection and a sense of contentment.
June, she’ll change her tune,
In restless walks she’ll prowl the night;
June brings a shift in the song, indicating changes within the relationship. The restless walks and prowling in the night suggest uncertainty and a sense of searching, possibly for something more or different.
July, she will fly
And give no warning to her flight.
July symbolizes a sudden departure or change, akin to the fleeting nature of summer. The lack of warning in her flight suggests an abrupt and unexpected transformation or ending in the relationship.
August, die she must,
The autumn winds blow chilly and cold;
August’s death metaphorically signifies the end of the relationship. The autumn winds are harbingers of change, indicating a shift from warmth to the chilliness of solitude or loss.
September I’ll remember.
A love once new has now grown old.
This line reflects on the past, with September serving as a time of reminiscence. It speaks to the aging of love, from its vibrant beginnings to a more mature, perhaps faded, state.
These lyrics, through the metaphor of changing seasons, illustrate the life cycle of a relationship, capturing its inception, growth, changes, and eventual fading. The song is a poignant reflection on the transient nature of love and the inevitability of change.
Context and Trivia
Written in the 1960s, “April Come She Will” reflects the era’s cultural and musical shifts. It was a time when folk music was gaining prominence, often serving as a voice for emotional expression and social commentary. The song was featured in the soundtrack of “The Graduate,” a film that resonated deeply with the youth of that era.
Some interesting trivia about the song includes:
- Inspirational Source: The song was inspired by a traditional English nursery rhyme, showcasing Simon & Garfunkel’s ability to transform simple melodies into profound lyrical poetry.
- Album Presence: It appeared on their 1966 album, “Sounds of Silence,” which helped cement their status as folk-rock icons.
- Film Influence: Its inclusion in “The Graduate” gave it a wider audience and connected it to a narrative of youthful uncertainty and transition.
Artist’s Perspective: “Capturing Seasons of the Heart”
In interviews, Paul Simon has often reflected on the simplicity and imagery in his songwriting. For “April Come She Will,” he emphasized the importance of capturing the ephemeral nature of relationships and the inevitable passage of time. His goal was to create a song that resonated on an emotional level, using the metaphor of changing seasons to reflect the changes in human relationships.
Conclusion: The Legacy and Future of “April Come She Will”
“April Come She Will” stands as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of love and youth. Its simplicity, coupled with its rich metaphorical imagery, ensures that it continues to resonate with audiences, even decades after its release. As generations evolve, the universal themes of love, change, and the passage of time will keep this song relevant. Its legacy is secured not just as a piece of music but as a timeless expression of human emotion. Simon & Garfunkel’s craftsmanship ensures that “April Come She Will” will remain a cherished part of folk music, appreciated by future generations for its beauty and depth.