Meaning of "Song for the Fireflies" by Josh Ritter

The lyrics of “Song for the Fireflies” by Josh Ritter paint a nostalgic picture of the passing of time and the fleeting nature of memories. The fireflies in the song act as a symbol of consistency and reliability, a reminder of the way things used to be. The imagery of memories tumbling like coins through wells and the mention of June as an echo of sounds not made emphasize the bittersweet quality of reminiscing on the past. The changing seasons and the re-starting sky reflect the cyclical nature of life, where each month passes like an echo of the previous one. The song captures a sense of longing and wistfulness for the past, while also acknowledging the inevitability of change and the transient nature of experiences.