Softly As In A Morning Sunrise

Dianne Reeves' rendition of 'Softly As In A Morning Sunrise' is a poignant exploration of the transient nature of love. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of love's initial brilliance, likening it to the gentle and promising light of a morning sunrise. This metaphor captures the beauty and hope that love brings at its inception, much like the first light of day that heralds new beginnings and possibilities.

However, the song quickly delves into the darker side of this metaphor. The same light that brings warmth and joy can also lead to betrayal and heartbreak. The 'burning kiss' that seals a vow is a powerful image, suggesting both the intensity and the potential destructiveness of passion. The lyrics suggest that the very emotions that elevate love to heavenly heights can also be the ones that drag it down to hell. This duality is a central theme, highlighting the fragile balance between love's ecstasy and its potential for pain.

The repetition of the phrase 'Softly as it fades away' towards the end of the song underscores the inevitable decline of this initial brilliance. Just as the morning light eventually gives way to the harshness of day, the initial glow of love can fade, leaving behind a sense of loss and disillusionment. Dianne Reeves' soulful delivery adds depth to this narrative, making it a powerful reflection on the fleeting nature of love and the inevitable cycle of joy and sorrow that accompanies it.