Meaning of "Cabaret" by Gordon Lightfoot

The lyrics of "Cabaret" evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, particularly for a lost love represented by the references to "north Ontario" throughout the song. The imagery of the sea, sky, cabarets, and carousels suggests a wistful reminiscence of happier times filled with laughter and joy, contrasted with the melancholy of faces grown grey with time. The mention of traveling from California to Oregon border symbolizes a journey through life, with the narrator reflecting on the choices made and the regrets faced along the way. The longing to tell the lost love about the feelings of missing her, despite the distance and time passed, underscores the theme of yearning for what once was. Overall, "Cabaret" conveys a bittersweet reflection on the passage of time, the roads traveled, and the enduring emotional connections that remain.