Midnight Sun

Ella Fitzgerald's song "Midnight Sun" is a poetic and evocative exploration of a fleeting yet unforgettable romantic encounter. The lyrics are rich with vivid imagery and metaphors, painting a picture of a night filled with wonder and enchantment. The opening lines compare the lover's lips to a "red and ruby chalice," suggesting both beauty and a sense of intoxication. The night sky is described as an "alabaster palace," and each star is likened to an "aurora borealis," emphasizing the magical and almost otherworldly quality of the experience.

The song delves into the surreal and dreamlike nature of the night, with references to "silver rain" and the "music of the universe." These elements create a sense of mystery and awe, as if the natural world itself is participating in the romance. The moment of being held tight is described as miraculous, and the sky turning pale signifies the end of this magical night. Despite the ephemeral nature of the encounter, the memory of it leaves a lasting impression, symbolized by the "stardust on my sleeve."

As the song progresses, it acknowledges the inevitable passage of time and the fading of the initial intensity of the romance. The imagery shifts to a "meadow in December, icy white and crystalline," representing the cooling of passion. However, the narrator vows to always remember the warmth and magic of that night under the "midnight Sun." This phrase, repeated throughout the song, serves as a metaphor for a moment of perfect, timeless beauty that remains etched in memory, even as the world changes around it.