Meaning of "Autumn Leaves" by Vashti Bunyan

The song "Autumn Leaves" by Vashti Bunyan captures the deep emotions of heartbreak and longing after a relationship has ended. The imagery of rain as tears and autumn leaves as symbols of sadness conveys the profound sorrow felt by the narrator. The mention of the road-sweeper not being able to clear away the tears until the lost love returns adds a sense of hopelessness and the inability to move on from the pain. The overall mood is one of melancholy and a deep yearning for reconciliation, with the weather serving as a mirror to the narrator's inner turmoil. The repetitive nature of the lyrics highlights the cyclical nature of heartache and the inability to escape from the emotional turmoil. Overall, the song conveys a sense of profound loss and a longing for a return to happier times.