Meaning of "Empty Chairs" by Don McLean

"Empty Chairs" by Don McLean delves into the aftermath of heartbreak and the struggle to come to terms with the departure of a loved one. The imagery of moonlight, chestnut hair, and the fragrance of flowers evokes a sense of intimacy and longing for what once was. The repetition of the lines "And I wonder if you know, That I never understood, That although you said you'd go, Until you did, I never thought you would" emphasizes the singer's disbelief and inability to fully grasp the reality of the separation. The final verses paint a poignant picture of loneliness, with empty rooms, echoes, clothes, and chairs symbolizing the void left by the absence of the person who departed. The song captures the raw emotions of grief, denial, and nostalgia, ultimately highlighting the pain of unfulfilled expectations and the difficulty of moving on.