Meaning of "A Hundred Wishes" by Loreena McKennitt

"A Hundred Wishes" captures the bittersweet feeling of being apart from someone you deeply love and longing for their presence. The speaker yearns for a physical closeness that transcends distance, wishing that they could be with their loved one in different picturesque locations. The mention of France, Spain, and Ireland adds a touch of romanticism, evoking memories of past shared experiences and the desire to relive those moments. The imagery of dancing beneath olive trees, mingling bodies on deserted beaches, and catching the breeze in a ruined bath creates a sensual and intimate atmosphere. The repetition of the line "If I had a hundred wishes" emphasizes the speaker's deep longing, followed by the acknowledgement that only one wish can come true, heightening the sense of longing and the impossibility of fulfilling all desires. Ultimately, the song explores the universal desire for connection and the yearning to be reunited with a loved one.