Memory

Jose Carreras' rendition of 'Memory' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, loss, and the hope for renewal. The song opens with a vivid description of a desolate midnight scene, where the moon appears to have lost its memory, and the wind moans through the withered leaves. This imagery sets a melancholic tone, reflecting the singer's sense of isolation and longing for the past. The moon's smile, now alone, symbolizes a distant, happier time that contrasts sharply with the present solitude.

The chorus delves deeper into this sense of nostalgia, as the singer reminisces about the 'old days' when life was beautiful and happiness was tangible. The repetition of the word 'memory' underscores the importance of these past experiences, suggesting that they are a source of comfort and a reminder of better times. However, the song also carries a sense of inevitability and fatalism, as indicated by the street lamps' 'fatalistic warning' and the approaching morning, which signifies the end of the night and the beginning of a new day.

As the song progresses, there is a shift from dwelling on the past to looking towards the future. The singer acknowledges the need to wait for the sunrise and think of a new life, emphasizing resilience and the possibility of starting anew. The imagery of 'burnt out ends of smokey days' and the 'stale cold smell of morning' captures the weariness of the present, but the promise of a new day brings a glimmer of hope. The plea for human connection in the lines 'Touch me, It's so easy to leave me' highlights the singer's vulnerability and desire for understanding. Ultimately, the song concludes on a hopeful note, with the recognition that a new day has begun, symbolizing the potential for renewal and happiness.