Words

Gregory Alan Isakov's song "Words" is a poetic exploration of the profound impact that words and light have during the night. The lyrics suggest that words carry more weight and significance when spoken or written in the quiet, reflective hours of the night. This is compared to the way light, which is often taken for granted during the day, becomes more meaningful and intimate when it illuminates the night. The night transforms ordinary elements like hair, a face, a smile, a bed, and a dress into something more poignant and cherished.

The song also delves into the theme of longing and connection. The narrator expresses a deep desire to communicate with a loved one, sending words from the corners of his room. He hopes that these words, written in the daylight, will be read under the moonlight, adding a layer of intimacy and magic to the communication. This reflects a yearning to bridge the physical distance between them, using words as a vessel to convey emotions and maintain a connection.

Furthermore, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a dream-like escape, where the narrator wishes to leave his physical form and float over the sea to reunite with his lover. This imagery evokes a sense of ethereal longing and the idea of souls searching for each other across vast distances. The notion of blindly passing each other over the ocean blue, only to find the warm bed of their lover, underscores the deep emotional bond and the hope of eventual reunion. Isakov's gentle, reflective style and evocative lyrics create a hauntingly beautiful narrative about the power of words, the significance of light, and the enduring nature of love and longing.