Meaning of "Soft Rains Of April" by A-ha

"Soft Rains Of April" delves into themes of loneliness, longing, and the passage of time. The soft rains symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as the speaker expresses a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. The repeated line "The soft rains of April are over" emphasizes the transient nature of moments of comfort and happiness, suggesting that they have passed. The lyrics also allude to the speaker's physical distance from home, as they are on the phone, longing to go back and questioning whether it is raining there. This imagery highlights the speaker's isolation, as they feel detached and out of place where they currently are. The mention of a ferry journey to Dover further emphasizes the idea of being far away from home and the longing for a return. The line "I'm so alone" encapsulates the deep sense of loneliness and longing that permeates the song.

The second half of the lyrics shift to a different perspective, possibly offering a glimpse into the life of a prisoner or someone enduring a long separation. The mention of "four years" and "three more to go" implies a count-down, suggesting that the speaker is serving a sentence or experiencing a prolonged separation. The act of writing letters and the line "Time's passing so slow" underscore the speaker's intense yearning for companionship and connection. Overall, "Soft Rains Of April" paints a vivid picture of a person trapped in their solitude, longing for home, and grappling with the slow passage of time.