We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)

The song 'We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)' by The Ink Spots is a poignant reflection on loneliness and longing. The lyrics personify the singer's echo and shadow as companions, highlighting the depth of his solitude. The repeated line 'We three, we're all alone' emphasizes the irony that even in the presence of his 'companions,' the singer feels a profound sense of isolation. The echo and shadow serve as metaphors for the lingering memories and the constant presence of the self, respectively, which are poor substitutes for the company of a loved one.

The song's chorus questions the value of moonlight, a romantic symbol, when the one he loves is absent. This rhetorical question underscores the emptiness of beauty and nature without someone to share it with. The singer's actions of walking with his shadow and talking with his echo depict a scene of wandering and searching, possibly for the love that he has lost or is waiting for. The melancholic tone of the song is further enhanced by the promise to wait 'even 'til eternity,' suggesting a love that is both patient and unending.

'The Ink Spots' were known for their smooth harmonies and sentimental ballads, often dealing with themes of love and loss. 'We Three' is a classic example of their style, with its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song resonates with anyone who has experienced the longing for a missing loved one, and it captures the universal human experience of dealing with the shadows of the past and the echoes of what once was.