Meaning of "The Humming" by Enya

"The Humming" carries a profound philosophical message about the transience of life and the eternity of change. It invites listeners to contemplate the cyclical nature of existence and the temporary nature of all things. The repetition of phrases such as "And all the light will be, will be" and "And all the waves, the sea" creates a sense of continuity and rhythm, emphasizing the eternal recurrence of life's processes.

The song opens with a glimpse into the future, hinting at a prophetic vision, suggesting that everything that will be has already been set in motion. By connecting light to the future, it highlights the potential for growth and enlightenment. The waves and the sea serve as metaphors for the constant rhythm of life, rising and falling, flowing and receding. They symbolize the passage of time and the continuous cycle of birth and death.

Enya then introduces the idea that all moments eventually fade away like mist, reinforcing the fleeting nature of individual experiences and emphasizing the imperative of cherishing the present. This notion is further reinforced by the mention of dust – a reminder of mortality and the eventual return to the elements.

As the song progresses, Enya explores the concept of eternity and the unchanging elements of the universe. The reference to stars without names and skies that look the same suggests a timeless landscape, where individual identities fade into insignificance. The clouds, which briefly appear before dissipating, represent the fleeting nature of our existence contrasted with the eternal backdrop of the cosmos. This cyclical theme is once again emphasized by the repetition of "Then all of this begins again," indicating that the cycle of life and change is an eternal recurrence.

"The Humming" ultimately invites listeners to reflect on the beauty of impermanence and the interconnectedness of all things. It encourages an acceptance of the transient nature of life and the embrace of change as an essential and inevitable part of the human experience.