Moonflower

Abbie Gamboa's song 'Moonflower' delves into the complexities of growing up while maintaining a childlike heart. The lyrics explore the tension between the need to be tough and the innate desire for comfort and guidance. The opening lines, 'What do you do when you're all grown up? The heart of a child, but you gotta be tough,' set the stage for a narrative that grapples with vulnerability and the fear of being alone. This duality is a central theme, as the singer expresses a longing for a hand to hold in times of darkness.

The song's chorus emphasizes a deep spiritual dependency, with lines like 'When did I forget to need You? I will let myself be weak, A vulnerable dependency, Strong enough to let You lead me.' Here, Gamboa highlights the strength found in admitting one's weaknesses and allowing a higher power to guide through life's uncertainties. This theme is further reinforced in the repeated desire to be 'where You are,' even in the darkest moments. The darkness, both literal and metaphorical, becomes a space where faith and trust are tested and ultimately strengthened.

In the latter part of the song, Gamboa introduces the metaphor of the moonflower, a plant that blooms in the night. The imagery of a garden 'somewhere south of London' where 'the darkness makes the fragrance rise' serves as a powerful symbol of beauty and growth emerging from dark times. This metaphor encapsulates the song's message: that even in the darkest periods, there is potential for profound beauty and spiritual growth. The moonflower becomes a symbol of hope and resilience, illustrating that darkness can enhance one's inner fragrance, much like the moonflower's scent intensifies at night.