Meaning of "Mr. Blue" by Michael Franks

The lyrics of "Mr. Blue" delve into the bittersweet feelings that arise from lost love and the nostalgia that follows. The opening lines of the song create a vivid image of the past relationship as delicate and transient as watercolor fawns in a Cézanne painting or lovers floating like figures in a Chagall artwork. The connection felt limitless, with the belief that it would never end and that the sky would never fall. The narrator takes the listener through a whirlwind of emotions experienced during their time together - the highs and lows of loving, laughing, crying, but ultimately feeling an immortality in their bond.

However, the narrative shifts as the lyrics reveal a new reality. The lover mentioned in the song has moved on, and the narrator acknowledges this by referring to them as "your lover" rather than "our lover." There is a sense of indirect comparison as the narrator compliments the new lover's face, implying a touch of jealousy or longing for the physical aspects of the old relationship. The narrator recognizes that the ex-lover still holds onto the belief that love conquers all, while they themselves know that things are not as they seem. They hope that the new relationship remains harmonious, despite longing for the past and wishing their former lover well.

This reflection on lost love paints a picture of melancholy and a longing for what once was. The transformation into Mr. Blue represents a shift in perspective and emotions, as the narrator accepts that their past love is now a mere memory. The lyrics capture the universal theme of lost love and the difficulty of moving on, despite accepting the changes that time brings.