The lyrics of "Speak Low" by Ella Fitzgerald & Joe Pass speak of the fleeting nature of love and time, with a sense of urgency and longing permeating the verses. The singers express how love is easily lost in the passage of time, creating a sense of constant waiting for moments that end too soon.

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Meaning of "Speak Low" by Ella Fitzgerald & Joe Pass


The lyrics of "Speak Low" convey a sense of urgency and impermanence, emphasizing how love and time are fleeting and can easily slip away. The repetition of "too soon" and the imagery of ships adrift and the passage of time reflect a feeling of longing and a desire to hold onto moments that are slipping away. The contrast between the eternal nature of love ("Love is pure gold") and the transient nature of time ("Time is a thief") creates a bittersweet tone, highlighting the inevitability of endings. The singers' plea to "speak low" and "speak love" suggests a desire to savor and preserve moments of love and connection before they disappear. Overall, the lyrics of "Speak Low" capture a poignant longing for the fleeting nature of love and the passage of time.