Meaning of "Raven" by Jewel

The lyrics of "Raven" by Jewel evoke a sense of enchantment and escapism, inviting the listener to venture into a dreamlike realm. The repeated use of commands to "close your eyes" and "dream together" emphasizes the invitation to enter this imaginative world, where reality can be temporarily set aside. Through the use of vivid imagery, Jewel paints a picture of various creatures and elements, such as ravens, swans, stars, and wolves, to create an atmosphere of mystique and beauty.

The raven, often associated with darkness and mystery, symbolizes the protagonist's desire to transcend the limitations of their everyday existence and explore the unfamiliar. By flying like a raven into the night, the protagonist seeks to break free from the constraints of the mundane and embrace the infinite possibilities of the dream world. In contrast, the swan represents grace and elegance, contrasting with the raven's darker connotations. The swan's flight, described as soft and gentle, symbolizes the tranquil and serene aspects of the dream realm.

The imagery of stars and the moon further enhances the dreamlike atmosphere. The moon, compared to a silver gown of stars, represents a transitional phase, suggesting that the dreams experienced are not permanent but transient. While the moon's love (referring to the moon's light) will rise and sing to the shadows, the protagonist's love will also rise and join this celestial dance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their dreams with the natural world.

The promise of returning home and being near adds an element of comfort and familiarity, indicating that despite the allure of dreams, a sense of security and closeness can still be maintained. The idea of rising with the dawn, kissing flowers, and blooming suggests a theme of renewal and rebirth, emphasizing the transformative power of dreams. The protagonist's arrival with the footsteps of morning signifies hope and anticipation of a new beginning.

Overall, "Raven" invites the listener to embrace the power of dreams as a means to escape the ordinary and experience a heightened sense of beauty, mystery, and connection. It explores themes of freedom, exploration, and the transformative nature of dreams, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining a sense of closeness and security even within the realm of dreams.