Meaning of "Swept Away" by The Avett Brothers

The lyrics of "Swept Away" delve into the transformative power of love and the exhilaration that comes from being captivated by another person. The opening lines, "Well you send my life a whirling, Darling when you're twirling on the floor," evoke a sense of being caught up in the thrill of love, as if everything else fades away when in the presence of the beloved. The repetition of "swept me away" throughout the song emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of this love, as if it has the ability to completely engulf and reshape one's life.

The song explores the notion that love exists outside of time and conventions. The line, "Who cares about tomorrow? What more is tomorrow? Than another day," suggests that the present moment is all that matters when one is consumed by love. The artists express their willingness to abandon practicalities and societal norms in order to be with the object of their affections. The lyrics, "If you come down to my window, And I climb out my window, Then we'll get out of reach," convey a sense of liberation and the desire to transcend the limitations imposed by the world.

The song also raises questions about the sincerity and depth of the love described. The lyrics question the authenticity of the beloved's declaration of love, asking, "But what'd you really mean when you said that I'm your man? Well, how my darling can it be when you have never seen me and you never will again?" This suggests a certain level of uncertainty or doubt in the relationship, highlighting the ephemeral nature of love and the potential for unrequited feelings.

Amidst these contemplations, the song recognizes the ever-changing nature of life but finds solace in the constancy of love. The lyrics, "Well, life is ever-changing, But I will always find a constant and comfort in your love," convey a sense of security and stability that love can provide in a world of uncertainties. The final lines, "And as we dance I know that heaven will be found," speak to the transcendent power of love, suggesting that through love, one can find a taste of heaven or something beyond the tangible world.