To Be Alone With You

Sufjan Stevens' song 'To Be Alone With You' is a poignant exploration of sacrificial love and devotion. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of longing and a deep desire for connection, as the narrator expresses a willingness to go to great lengths to be with the one they love. The opening lines, 'I'd swim across Lake Michigan / I'd sell my shoes,' illustrate the extent of the narrator's dedication, willing to endure physical hardship and give up personal possessions for the sake of being reunited with their beloved.

The song takes on a more profound and spiritual dimension as it progresses. The lines 'You gave your body to the lonely / They took your clothes / You gave up a wife and a family / You gave your ghost' suggest a Christ-like figure who sacrifices everything, including their life, to be with the narrator. This imagery is reinforced by the repeated mention of 'going up on a tree,' a clear reference to the crucifixion. The song thus intertwines themes of personal love with religious sacrifice, creating a rich tapestry of meaning that speaks to both human and divine love.

The final line, 'I've never known a man who loved me,' adds a layer of personal reflection and vulnerability. It suggests that the narrator has never experienced such profound love and sacrifice from another human being, highlighting the uniqueness and depth of the love being described. Sufjan Stevens' gentle, haunting melody and introspective lyrics create a deeply moving experience that resonates with listeners on both an emotional and spiritual level.