All Good Things (Come To An End) (US Version)
Nelly Furtado
The Inevitability of Endings in Nelly Furtado's 'All Good Things (Come To An End)'
Nelly Furtado's song 'All Good Things (Come To An End)' explores the theme of impermanence and the natural conclusion of life's joyful experiences. The lyrics express a sense of resignation and contemplation about the cyclical nature of life, where all positive experiences, much like flames, eventually fade to dust. Furtado questions why this is the case, reflecting on the bittersweet reality that nothing lasts forever, from the intensity of love to the comfort of friendships.
The metaphor of 'flames to dust' and 'lovers to friends' captures the transformation and decline of passionate relationships into something more platonic and distant. The song's chorus is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of happiness and the inevitability of change. Furtado's musings on wanting to 'pull away when the dream dies' and feeling the 'gravity' when the pain sets in, suggest a desire to escape the emotional turmoil that comes with endings. The imagery of dogs barking at the new moon, longing for change, further emphasizes the theme of longing and the hope for renewal amidst the conclusion of good things.
Musically, Furtado's style blends pop with folk and world music influences, which gives the song a reflective and somewhat melancholic tone. The repetition of the chorus serves to reinforce the central question of the song, making it a haunting meditation on the fleeting nature of life's pleasures. 'All Good Things (Come To An End)' resonates with listeners because it touches on a universal truth that everyone must grapple with at some point in their lives.