Meaning of "Land Of Enchantment" by Michael Martin Murphey

The lyrics of "Land of Enchantment" by Michael Martin Murphey depict the narrator's experience of meeting a woman and falling deeply in love with her in the magical setting of New Mexico. The song begins with the narrator reminiscing about his younger days when he was drifting aimlessly, possibly seeking adventure or self-discovery. It is during this period of uncertainty that he encounters the woman who captivates him with her loving ways. Just as the desert blooms with the beauty of a single rose, the narrator finds himself infatuated with this woman's allure.

The reference to the sunset by the Rio Grande and the tolling of a mission bell implies a sense of romance and a feeling of farewell. It suggests that their time together was fleeting, filled with moments of bliss, but ultimately leading to a separation. The woman takes the narrator's hand, signifying a deep connection and an invitation to return.

Throughout the song, the woman's persistent request for him to come back to the land of enchantment, regardless of where he may be, demonstrates her desire to be reunited with him. Her words echo in the narrator's mind even as he travels far across the sea, haunted by her gentle voice and the memories they shared. The notion of longing and missing someone becomes more apparent as he remembers her pleas.

The song conveys a bittersweet yearning for the past and a longing to return to a place of enchantment and love. It explores the themes of love, romance, longing, and the powerful hold that certain places can have on our hearts. The land of enchantment symbolizes not only a physical location, but also the emotional connection shared by the narrator and the woman he met there. It represents a time of happiness and fulfillment, and the possibility of rekindling that love becomes a dominant force in the lyrics.