Meaning of "Hi Lili, Hi Lo" by Anne Murray

"Hi Lili, Hi Lo" explores the bittersweet nature of love, highlighting its ability to bring joy and heartbreak simultaneously. The repetition of the line "A song of love is a sad song" emphasizes the sadness and melancholy that often accompanies love. The imagery of the birds singing on every tree symbolizes the ubiquity of love in the world, while also indicating that love can be found in unexpected places. Additionally, the line "Could break my heart without a word" suggests that love's impact can be profound, even without explicit communication.

The sadness of love is further emphasized through the phrase "hi-lili, hi-lili, hi-lo." The repetition of this refrain creates a sense of longing and yearning, as if the narrator is longing for something or someone that they can't have or have lost. The act of sitting at the window and watching the rain symbolizes a sense of melancholy and introspection, as rain often represents sadness and contemplation.

However, despite the inherent sadness of love, the song ends on a hopeful note. The narrator expresses their willingness to love again in the future, indicating that while love may bring pain, it is still a fundamental and worthwhile part of life. The repetition of "Tomorrow I'll probably love again" demonstrates a sense of resilience and optimism, as the narrator looks forward to the possibility of finding love once more.

In summary, "Hi Lili, Hi Lo" captures the complex and contradictory nature of love. It acknowledges the sadness and woe that can come with loving, while also retaining a sense of hope and resilience in the face of heartbreak.