Lily Love

The Civil Wars' song 'Lily Love' is a poignant and evocative piece that delves into themes of loss, memory, and the fleeting nature of innocence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a cherished figure, referred to as 'my little lily love,' who seems to represent a lost child or a symbol of pure, untarnished love. The imagery of 'a crown of daisies' and 'golden daisies' in the hair evokes a sense of natural beauty and innocence, which is further emphasized by the setting 'down by the sea' and 'high on a hill.' These natural elements create a serene and almost idyllic backdrop, contrasting with the underlying sorrow of the song.

The recurring motif of 'hide and seek' suggests a sense of searching and longing. The lines 'You hide and seek high and low / In every corner of my soul' indicate that the memory of this 'lily love' is deeply embedded in the narrator's being, yet remains elusive and distant. This game of hide and seek can be interpreted as the narrator's struggle to hold onto the memories and essence of this lost innocence, which seems to slip further away with each passing day. The emotional weight of this loss is palpable, especially in the lines 'You just get farther away,' highlighting the inevitable passage of time and the growing distance between the past and the present.

The song also poses a poignant question: 'What kind of world would take a sweet wild flower / And pull it up from the ground?' This rhetorical question underscores the cruelty and harshness of reality, which can abruptly end the beauty and innocence symbolized by the 'lily love.' The final lines, 'I'll never forget my little Lily love,' serve as a solemn vow to keep the memory alive, despite the pain and loss. The Civil Wars' haunting harmonies and melancholic melodies further amplify the emotional depth of the lyrics, making 'Lily Love' a touching tribute to lost innocence and the enduring power of memory.