Meaning of "Blue Denim" by Stevie Nicks

The lyrics of "Blue Denim" by Stevie Nicks delve into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human connection. The speaker begins by reminiscing about seeing the person in question, suggesting that their encounters are infrequent and fleeting. The mention of the blue denim becomes symbolic, representing the person as a familiar yet ever-changing presence in the speaker's life.

The repetition of the phrase "bright eyes, blue denim" emphasizes the mesmerizing effect this person has on the speaker. The blue eyes are described as changing with different colors, the sun, and the wind, symbolizing the unpredictable nature of their emotions and actions. Despite these changes, the eyes remain bright, capturing the speaker's attention and intrigue.

The speaker expresses both a sense of familiarity and distance from the person, suggesting that their relationship has gone through transformations. The line "I turned away so he couldn't see, I turned away, it could never be" indicates a desire to shield oneself from vulnerability and the pain of potential rejection. They never expected the person to walk away, yet it happened again, intensifying the sense of loss and longing.

The chorus, with its simple but powerful lines, conveys the difficulty of understanding one another. The act of truly comprehending someone on a deep emotional level is described as challenging. The speaker acknowledges the complexities of connection and the elusive nature of knowing and being known.

The bridge of the song introduces a poignant memory. The speaker recalls the last time they saw the person, comparing the experience to a rare photograph or a painting. This highlights the significance and impact the person had on their life, suggesting that the memory will forever be imprinted on their heart.

The final verse reveals the speaker's plan to take time away to rediscover their emotions. They express a desire to remember how to feel, suggesting that the intensity of their emotions has been dulled or lost. They promise to return and "get" the person, indicating a commitment to rekindling the connection and overcoming the obstacles that come with understanding and love.

Overall, "Blue Denim" explores the complexity of human emotions and relationships. It captures the longing, uncertainty, and bittersweet nature of love, as well as the challenges in truly understanding and being understood by another person.