Memory Of The Future

The song 'Memory Of The Future' by Pet Shop Boys delves into the intricate interplay between love, time, and memory. The lyrics suggest a profound connection between the narrator and their beloved, one that feels both inevitable and timeless. The phrase 'memory of the future' encapsulates this paradox, implying that their love is so destined that it feels like a recollection of something that has yet to happen. This creates a sense of predestined love, where the past, present, and future are intertwined in a continuous loop of emotional resonance.

The recurring reference to 'tasting that sweet madeleine' is a nod to Marcel Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time,' where the taste of a madeleine cake triggers a flood of memories. This metaphor highlights how certain moments or sensations can evoke powerful memories, blending the past with the present. The narrator reflects on their life, questioning the timing of their love with the line 'Asking if not later then when?' This introspection underscores the theme of searching and longing, suggesting that the journey to find true love is a lifelong endeavor.

The song also explores the idea of unlocking the past, with 'so many scenes revealing fast.' This suggests that the presence of the beloved brings clarity and understanding to the narrator's life, making sense of past experiences. The lyrics convey a sense of fulfillment and completion, as if finding this love has been the ultimate goal. The repetition of 'It's taken me all of my life to find you' emphasizes the significance and rarity of this connection, portraying it as the culmination of a lifetime's worth of searching and yearning.