September When It Comes

Johnny Cash's song 'September When It Comes' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the inevitability of change, and the acceptance of one's mortality. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of nostalgia and introspection, as Cash looks back on his life and the memories that have shaped him. The imagery of a cross above a baby's bed and a Savior in dreams suggests a longing for salvation and a connection to faith, yet the realization that deliverance did not come in the expected form. This sets the tone for a journey through memories and the closing of doors to the past.

The recurring mention of 'September' serves as a metaphor for the later stages of life, a time when the vibrancy of summer fades and one prepares for the inevitable end. Cash's lyrics convey a sense of resignation and acceptance, as he acknowledges his limitations and the changes that have come with age. The line 'I cannot be who I was then: In a way, I never was' speaks to the fluidity of identity and the realization that our past selves are often idealized versions of who we truly were.

The song also touches on themes of rest and reunion, as Cash envisions a time when he will be reunited with loved ones who have passed on. The imagery of being 'flown like an angel to a place where I can rest' evokes a sense of peace and closure. 'September When It Comes' is a deeply moving meditation on life, loss, and the hope for a peaceful transition into the next phase of existence.