Lyrics
My young love said to me,
Expression of affection as the speaker recounts a conversation with their young love.
My mother won't mind
Assurance that the speaker's mother approves of the relationship.
And my father won't slight you
Assurance that the speaker's father holds no grudge due to social status or background.
For your lack of kind
Reassurance regarding any perceived social or economic differences.
She stepped away from me
Description of the young love physically moving away from the speaker.
And this she did say,
Introduction to the words spoken by the young love as she departs.
"It will not be long love
Assurance that the separation will be temporary, anticipating the upcoming wedding day.
Till our wedding day"
Reference to the anticipated joyous occasion of the wedding day.
She stepped away from me
Repetition of the young love stepping away, emphasizing her movement.
And she moved through the fair
Description of the young love moving through the fair, possibly reflecting on her journey.
And fondly I watched her move here
The speaker watches the young love affectionately as she moves around.
And move there
Continuation of the observation of the young love's movements.
And she went her way homeward
Narration of the young love's departure toward her home.
With one star awake,
Metaphorical imagery, comparing the young love's departure to the swan moving over the lake, possibly signifying grace or elegance.
As the swan in the evening
Comparison of the young love's movement to the swan in the evening, suggesting a serene and beautiful scene.
Moved over the lake
Continuation of the metaphor, emphasizing the tranquil nature of the departure.
Last night she came to me,
Shift to a different time frame, with the young love coming to the speaker in a dream or memory.
My young love came in
Reiteration of the young love's arrival in the dream or memory.
So softly she entered,
Description of the young love's quiet entrance, emphasizing her gentle presence.
That her feet made no din
Highlighting the silent footsteps of the young love as she approaches.
And she came close beside me
Physical proximity of the young love to the speaker in the dream or memory.
And this she did say,
Introduction to the words spoken by the young love in the dream or memory.
"It will not be long love
Reassurance, mirroring the earlier assurance, that the separation will be brief.
Till our wedding day"
Reiteration of the anticipation of the joyous event, the wedding day.
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