Meaning of "Evangeline" by Matthew Sweet

"Evangeline" explores themes of unrequited love and longing. The protagonist is captivated by the woman named Evangeline, describing her as an angel and expressing his feelings of love for her. However, he is frustrated by the fact that Evangeline only thinks about God and prioritizes her faith over romantic relationships. This creates a sense of longing and desire within the protagonist, who yearns for Evangeline to reciprocate his emotions. The religious references in the song, such as praying and bowing to pray every night, symbolize the protagonist's hope that his love for Evangeline may be answered or fulfilled. Despite his devotion to God, the protagonist still desires a romantic connection with Evangeline and hopes that she will come into his life, bringing him happiness and fulfillment. The lyrics also hint at a secretive or forbidden nature of their relationship, with the line "We won't be seen, you can tell your father it was all a dream." This suggests that the protagonist may be engaged in a clandestine affair with Evangeline, adding a sense of excitement and risk to their connection. Overall, "Evangeline" delves into the complexities of unrequited love, the conflict between religious devotion and romantic desires, and the longing for connection and fulfillment.