Carried Away
Crosby Stills Nash and Young
The Fleeting Nature of Love and Connection
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's song 'Carried Away' is a poignant exploration of the transient nature of love and human connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who enters the narrator's life like a celestial being, with skin and eyes described as the 'colours of bronze' and a 'moon in your ear' that 'twinkled and shone.' These metaphors evoke a sense of otherworldly beauty and ephemeral presence, suggesting that this person is both captivating and elusive.
The recurring line 'Soon you'll be gone' underscores the inevitability of separation. The imagery of sailing and drifting on the blue with an 'old man' suggests a journey or departure, leaving the narrator behind to grapple with their emotions. This sense of impending loss is palpable, as the narrator is left 'thinking it through,' trying to make sense of the fleeting encounter.
The song also delves into the narrator's internal struggle, as they move through their 'changes as fast as I can,' seeking balance between their own identity and their connection with this enigmatic figure. The line 'Part of me is screaming to say I want to be carried away' reveals a deep yearning for escape and transcendence, a desire to be swept up in the intensity of the moment, even as they recognize its impermanence. 'Carried Away' captures the bittersweet essence of fleeting love, the beauty of brief connections, and the emotional turmoil that accompanies them.