Mary Stallings – “How High The Moon” Lyrics Meaning

“How High The Moon” is a song about longing and the ethereal nature of love. The lyrics weave a tale of yearning for a love that feels as distant as the moon, yet as close as a melody. The songwriter paints a picture of love as the ultimate heaven, unreachable at times, yet always the source of our greatest aspirations. The message is clear: love transcends distance and darkness, lighting up the night until it becomes as radiant as the moon itself. This song isn’t about anyone specific but speaks to anyone who’s ever loved from afar, yearning for that love to be returned in full. It’s a poetic exploration of love’s power to illuminate our lives, regardless of the obstacles in its path.

Curious about the magic behind “How High The Moon” and its timeless appeal? Keep reading to discover the layers of meaning hidden within its lyrics and the story that inspired such a heartfelt composition.


“How High The Moon” Lyrics Meaning

The song begins with an invocation of music and heaven, immediately setting the tone for a journey through longing and love. “Somewhere there’s music/How faint the tune/Somewhere there’s heaven/How high the moon” – these opening lines suggest a search for something transcendent, something just out of reach. The music and heaven referenced are metaphors for love, presenting it as a distant, almost unattainable ideal.

“There is no moon above/When love is far away too” speaks to the emptiness felt when love is absent. The moon, a symbol of beauty and constancy in the night sky, disappears when love is distant, reflecting the profound impact of love’s absence on the soul.

The song then shifts to a more hopeful tone, expressing a longing for love to be reciprocated: “Till it comes true/That you love me as I love you.” This line captures the heart of the song’s message – the yearning for an ideal love that is shared and complete. The repetition of “somewhere there’s music” and “somewhere there’s heaven” reinforces the idea that this perfect love exists, though it might be far away.

The darkest nights and the distance between lovers are illuminated and bridged by the mere possibility of love’s return. “The darkest night would shine/If you would come to me soon/Until you will, how still my heart/How high the moon” – these lines convey a sense of patient waiting and the transformative power of love. The heart remains still, and the night remains dark, until that love is realized, making the moon – the symbol of this love – seem all the higher and more magnificent.

Through its lyrics, “How High The Moon” explores the themes of longing, separation, and the transformative power of love. It speaks to the universal experience of yearning for a love that is just out of reach, and the hope that keeps that love alive in our hearts.

The Story Behind “How High The Moon”

The creation of “How High The Moon” is rooted in the universal experience of love and longing. While not explicitly written about any one individual or event, the song captures the essence of the songwriter’s reflections on the nature of love and the human condition. It’s a testament to the power of music and poetry to articulate the deepest feelings of the heart.

The song emerged from a period when the songwriter was deeply immersed in exploring love’s complexities. It reflects a state of mind that is both hopeful and melancholic, recognizing the beauty of love while acknowledging its challenges. The lyrics serve as a bridge between the tangible and the intangible, seeking to capture the elusive nature of love and its ability to elevate the human spirit.

“How High The Moon” is a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the ache of separation or the joy of love’s promise. The song remains a poignant reminder that love, in all its forms, continues to inspire, challenge, and move us, reaching across time and space to touch our lives.