Honey And The Moon

Joseph Arthur's 'Honey And The Moon' is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the quest for freedom. The song's lyrics delve into the complexities of a romantic relationship, where the narrator grapples with feelings of fear and uncertainty despite recognizing the depth and authenticity of their partner's love. The metaphor of the sea is used to illustrate the vastness and profundity of this love, yet the narrator feels a disconnect, yearning to follow their partner to an idealized place of freedom, symbolized by 'the shores of freedom where no one lives.' This place represents an escape from the constraints and challenges of reality.

The song also reflects on the early stages of the relationship, marked by excitement and the thrill of new love. The nostalgic reference to leaving messages on an answering machine evokes a sense of simplicity and innocence. However, as the song progresses, a sense of melancholy and disillusionment emerges. The imagery of 'everything turning blue' and 'the sun trying to kill the moon' suggests a struggle between hope and despair, light and darkness. The repeated wish to follow the partner to a place of freedom underscores the narrator's desire to escape the current turmoil and find solace.

Arthur's lyrics also touch on themes of trust and vulnerability. The line 'We're made out of blood and rust, looking for someone to trust' highlights the inherent fragility and imperfection of human beings. The partner is described as 'the honey and the moon,' a source of sweetness and light in the narrator's life. Despite the challenges, the partner provides support and stability, as evidenced by the line 'Ever since I've been with you, you hold me up all the time I'm falling down.' The song ultimately captures the tension between the desire for freedom and the comfort found in a loving relationship, painting a vivid picture of the emotional landscape of love.