The Last Beat Of My Heart

DeVotchka's song 'The Last Beat Of My Heart' is a poignant exploration of love, memory, and the desire for eternal connection. The lyrics open with a vivid image of love's sharp gust, stirring memories and evoking a sense of nostalgia. The metaphor of a rose wreathed in time, adorned with a garland of shame, suggests a love that is both beautiful and painful, with thorns that bring delight despite the war-torn fear of expressing true feelings. The imagery of a 'bridge of sighs' and 'solitude sails' conveys a sense of longing and isolation, yet there is a wave of forgiveness carried on angels' wings, hinting at the possibility of redemption and reconciliation.

The chorus is a heartfelt plea for closeness and connection, with the repeated refrain 'How in the world can I wish for this? Never to be torn apart, close to you, 'til the last beat of my heart.' This expresses an intense desire for an unbreakable bond, a love that endures until the very end. The urgency in the lyrics 'Reach out your hands, don't turn your back, don't walk away' underscores the fear of losing this precious connection and the hope that it can be preserved.

As the song progresses, the imagery of the sunset cloaking words in shadowplay adds a layer of melancholy, suggesting the passage of time and the fading of moments. Yet, the heart's cry remains loud and clear, echoing the desire for eternal togetherness. The repetition of 'How in the world can I wish for this?' emphasizes the almost incredulous longing for a love that defies separation. The song concludes with a reaffirmation of this wish, 'close to you, 'til the last beat, 'til the last fleeting beat of my heart,' encapsulating the theme of enduring love and the hope that it will last forever.