Meaning of "To Wish Impossible Things" by The Cure

"To Wish Impossible Things" by The Cure explores the bittersweet nature of nostalgia and the longing for a past love or idealized version of the past. The song begins by evoking memories of a time when everything seemed perfect, when the sun filled the sky and the stars sparkled at night. This idyllic past is described as a time of endless possibilities and eternal happiness. The sweetness of the lover's skin is contrasted with the hope of the potential future they could have had together. The speaker cherishes these memories and the hope they represent, which gives them the courage to wish for impossible things.

However, as the song progresses, the present reality is juxtaposed against the rosy memories. The sun shines cold and the sky is no longer vibrant; instead, it is depicted as gray and lifeless. The stars lose their luster, hidden behind clouds and tears, symbolizing the pain and sadness that have replaced the previous joy. The speaker's wishes seem to have vanished, leaving a void of longing and emptiness. All that is left is the memory of what once was, and the futile desire for its return.

The lyrics capture the universal experience of reminiscing on a past love or a time when everything seemed perfect. It explores the longing for that feeling to return, along with the acceptance that it is out of reach. It acknowledges the painful truth that the present often falls short of our expectations and desires, leaving us with a sense of loss and longing. The longing for impossible things also reflects the human tendency to hold on to hope, even when faced with the reality that what we desire may never come to fruition.

The melancholic tone of the song, along with its introspective lyrics, resonates with listeners who have experienced the end of a relationship or the loss of a cherished time. It serves as a reminder that memories can both comfort and haunt us, and that the past can never be fully recreated. Ultimately, "To Wish Impossible Things" captures the universal longing for something that is forever out of reach.