Simon & Garfunkel, the iconic American folk-rock duo, have penned numerous timeless classics that have left an indelible mark on the fabric of music history. Among their vast repertoire, the song “For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her” stands out for its poetic lyrics, haunting melody, and emotional depth. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the background, historical context, lyrics, meaning, and the legacy of this captivating song.
Background
Released in October 1966 as a part of the album “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme,” “For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her” is a lyrical ballad that showcases Paul Simon’s songwriting abilities and Art Garfunkel’s angelic vocals. The album title itself is a nod to the traditional English ballad “Scarborough Fair,” and the collection of songs within is a medley of harmonies that reflect the tumultuous era of the 60s.
Historical Context
The 1960s were a time of immense social and political upheaval. The Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the countercultural revolution were in full swing. In the midst of this, music became a vehicle for expression, protest, and solace. Simon & Garfunkel’s music, often characterized by its thoughtfulness and introspection, provided a counterpoint to the louder, more aggressive protest songs of the time.
Lyrics
“For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her” is not a traditional love song. Its lyrics do not speak of a love that has, but of a love that might be. Each verse is like a brushstroke in an impressionistic painting, creating an image of an ethereal, almost dreamlike love.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
The song opens with a delicate, almost reverent acknowledgment of the titular Emily:
What a dream I had
Pressed in organdy
Clothed in crinoline of smoky burgundy
Softer than the rain
The imagery is immediate and vivid, with “organdy” and “crinoline” evoking a sense of antique romanticism, while “smoky burgundy” and “softer than the rain” create a sensory experience that’s both tactile and visual.
As we move into the next lines:
I wandered empty streets down
Past the shop displays
I heard cathedral bells
Tripping down the alleyways
As I walked on
Here, the scene broadens. The listener follows the narrator through deserted streets, accompanied by distant cathedral bells. The spiritual undertone is palpable, with the bells signifying a call to something greater than oneself.
The chorus then brings us face-to-face with Emily:
And when you ran to me
Your cheeks flushed with the night
We walked on frosted fields of juniper and lamplight
I held your hand
Simon uses “frosted fields of juniper and lamplight” to solidify the wintry, mystical setting. The holding of hands is an intimate moment, revealing the deep connection between the narrator and Emily.
In the final verse, the song reaches its emotional climax:
And when I awoke and felt you warm and near
I kissed your honey hair with my grateful tears
Oh I love you, girl
Oh, I love you
The awakening suggests that this entire encounter may have been a dream, yet the emotions it evokes are undeniably real. The “honey hair” and “grateful tears” are intensely personal and affectionate, reflecting the depth of the narrator’s feelings.
Meaning and Interpretation
The true beauty of “For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her” lies in its lyrical ambiguity and potential for personal interpretation. The song paints a picture of an idealized love—one that is pure and untouched by the harshness of reality. It is a love that exists in the spiritual and emotional realms, rather than the physical.
The Dreamlike Quality
The song’s narrative suggests that Emily might not be a real person but rather a figment of the narrator’s imagination—a muse or an ideal. The dreamlike quality of the lyrics supports this interpretation, with the awakening at the end casting doubt on whether the encounter ever truly occurred.
The Search for Love
The song could also be seen as a metaphor for the search for love itself. The title “For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her” implies an ongoing quest—a hope that someday the narrator will find the love he dreams of. This search resonates with the human experience, as many of us long for a connection that feels predestined or fated.
The Reflection of an Era
Set against the backdrop of the 1960s’ quest for meaning and authenticity, the song can be interpreted as a reflection of the era’s yearning for a simpler, more genuine form of love. In a time fraught with complexity and change, the song offers a momentary escape into a world of beauty and tranquility.
Legacy and Societal Impact
“For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her” has left its mark on the landscape of music as a quintessential folk ballad. Its ethereal quality and poetic lyrics have continued to inspire artists and listeners alike. The song’s legacy is one of timeless beauty—an ode to love in its most idealized form.
The societal impact of the song is subtler than that of Simon & Garfunkel’s more overtly political work, but it is no less significant. It serves as a reminder of the power of art to transport us to a different time and place, to connect us with emotions that are deeply human, and to offer solace in times of uncertainty.
In conclusion, “For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her” is a testament to the enduring power of song to capture the human heart’s deepest longings. Its place in music history is secured not just by its melodic and lyrical beauty, but by its ability to resonate with listeners across generations, providing a window into the soul’s yearning for pure, unattainable love.