If You Go Away

Terry Jacks' song 'If You Go Away' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the deep emotional impact of a potential separation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the singer's despair at the thought of their loved one leaving. The opening lines, 'If you go away, on this summer day / Then you might as well take the sun away,' use the metaphor of the sun to symbolize the warmth and joy that the loved one brings into the singer's life. The imagery of birds flying in the summer sky and the moon standing still for the nightbird's song further emphasizes the beauty and serenity that the relationship once held.

The song contrasts this potential loss with the promise of a beautiful future if the loved one stays. The singer vows to create a day 'like no day has been, or will be again,' filled with extraordinary experiences like sailing the sun and riding on the rain. These fantastical promises highlight the depth of the singer's love and their desperation to keep the relationship alive. The repetition of 'But if you stay' serves as a hopeful counterpoint to the sorrowful 'If you go away,' underscoring the emotional stakes involved.

Ultimately, 'If You Go Away' is a heartfelt plea that captures the universal fear of losing someone dear. The empty room and empty space mentioned in the lyrics symbolize the void that would be left behind, both physically and emotionally. Terry Jacks' delivery of the song adds an extra layer of vulnerability, making it a timeless ballad about the fragility of love and the profound impact of separation.