Meaning of "As I Roved Out" by Loreena McKennitt

The song "As I Roved Out" paints a picture of a clandestine romance between a soldier and a young maiden. The lyrics depict a fleeting moment of passion and intimacy in the darkness, where societal norms and expectations are momentarily set aside for love. The young woman's willingness to invite the soldier into her home in secret, the sharing of wine and conversation, and the tender moments they share together all highlight the theme of forbidden love and the excitement of taking risks for the sake of connection. The promise of marriage in the future, albeit whimsical and tied to a playful circumstance, hints at the hopefulness and possibility that love can bring, even in the face of challenges and uncertainty. Overall, the lyrics capture the allure of a forbidden romance, the sweetness of shared moments, and the bittersweet nature of parting, leaving the listener with a sense of longing and nostalgia for a love that defies social boundaries.