Meaning of "Summer Side Of Life" by Gordon Lightfoot

"Summer Side Of Life" by Gordon Lightfoot explores the contrasting emotions of joy and sorrow in the fleeting moments of youth and love. The imagery of the man coming down through fields of green symbolizes his entrance into a phase of life filled with optimism and vitality. On this "summer side of life," the love is ripe and there are no illusions. It represents a time of authenticity and pure emotions, untouched by cynicism or jadedness.

However, the mention of the man crying the whole day long and the young men going off to fight introduce a sense of melancholy into the narrative. These elements suggest that even in the midst of happiness and love, there is a vulnerability and fragility that can lead to pain and longing. The tears of the man and the young men going off to fight illustrate the impermanence of happiness and the inevitability of loss.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of missed opportunities. The man enters a house where love has been misplaced, implying that he had a chance for love but failed to seize it. This introduces a sense of regret and the recognition of the transience of love. The repetition of the phrase "you'd wonder why" in relation to the man's tears suggests that his sorrow is not immediately apparent, highlighting the hidden depths of human emotions.

Overall, "Summer Side Of Life" explores the duality of human experience, where moments of joy are tinged with a sense of sadness and longing. It highlights the ephemeral nature of happiness and the constant presence of regrets and missed opportunities. The vivid imagery and evocative language evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflect on the complexities of the human condition.