Meaning of "Hymnal" by In The Valley Below

"Hymnal" by In The Valley Below is a song that explores the themes of lost love, regret, and the passage of time. The lyrics employ vivid imagery and juxtapositions to convey a sense of longing and reflection. The opening lines describe the person the narrator is addressing, using poetic descriptions like "Raven hair" and "Aspen eyes" to create a sense of mystique and beauty. The lines "Flicker fire / I wish I found you sooner / I could've loved you longer" highlight the regret of not meeting this person earlier and the desire to have had more time with them.

The following stanza introduces the imagery of a "long black car" and "cool green grass" to create a visual contrast. The mention of a "Sullen choir" adds to the overall somber tone of the song, emphasizing the regret and sense of loss felt by the narrator. The repeated refrain of "I wish I found you sooner / I could've loved you longer" further emphasizes this longing and the realization that time and opportunity have passed.

The chorus brings in the concept of a sleepy town, a metaphor for a life that was oblivious to the presence of the loved one. The image of a "setting stone" symbolizes permanence, suggesting that even though the relationship has ended, the memory and impact of the person will endure. The reference to the stone lying under the sun, rain, and snow highlights the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The chorus also implies a commitment to staying with this person until the narrator's own passing, "I'll lay with you until I go."

Overall, "Hymnal" explores the bittersweet emotions of longing for a lost love and the retrospective realization that time is fleeting. The lyrics capture the essence of missed opportunities and the desire for more time to be spent with someone who has had a profound impact on the narrator's life.