Moonshadow

Cat Stevens' 'Moonshadow' is a song that captures the essence of optimism and resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics present a series of hypothetical losses—hands, eyes, legs, and mouth—and the singer's response to each is a calm acceptance and a focus on the positive aspects that remain. The repeated phrase 'moonshadow' suggests a constant companion, a symbol of hope that follows the singer no matter what happens. The moon's shadow, which only appears in the presence of light, can be seen as a metaphor for finding light in the darkness, a theme that resonates with many listeners.

The song's chorus, with its playful words 'leapin' and hoppin' on a moonshadow,' adds a whimsical tone to the message, suggesting that even in loss, there can be a sense of freedom and lightness. This juxtaposition of serious contemplation of loss with a carefree attitude towards it underscores the song's central message of resilience. Stevens' gentle and melodic approach to the subject matter allows the song to convey its message without becoming morose or heavy-handed.

The closing lines of the song shift the perspective from the hypothetical to the present, with the singer questioning the 'faithful light' about its journey and intentions. This could be interpreted as a dialogue with faith or hope itself, questioning its presence in one's life and whether it will remain during tough times. 'Moonshadow' ultimately leaves listeners with a sense of comfort and the idea that even in the absence of certain abilities or possessions, one can still find reasons to be positive and to celebrate life.