Cavalier

James Vincent McMorrow's song 'Cavalier' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of memory, love, and the passage of time. The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors that evoke a sense of nostalgia and introspection. The opening lines, 'Speak until the dust / Settles in the same specific place,' suggest a longing for clarity and understanding, as if the speaker is trying to make sense of past events that have settled into the recesses of their mind. The mention of 'light refused to go' and 'drink it from a cast and iron plate' adds a layer of melancholy, hinting at moments of missed opportunities or unfulfilled desires.

The song's chorus, 'I remember my first love,' serves as a poignant anchor, bringing the listener back to a time of innocence and emotional intensity. This recurring line underscores the theme of first love as a formative experience that leaves an indelible mark on one's soul. The imagery of 'cloth hung / Flexing with the forest clung' and 'Half waist and high raised arms / Kicking at the slightest form' paints a vivid picture of youthful exuberance and the physicality of young love. These lines capture the raw, unfiltered emotions that come with experiencing love for the first time.

McMorrow's use of natural elements like 'aging soil,' 'mountains,' and 'forest' further enhances the song's reflective tone. These elements symbolize the passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with it. The line 'I woke hard / I woke heavy' suggests a moment of awakening or realization, perhaps indicating the weight of past experiences and the impact they have on the present. Overall, 'Cavalier' is a deeply introspective song that invites listeners to reflect on their own memories and the lasting impressions of their first love.