“Flowers in December” is a beautiful song that delves into themes of loss, longing, and the bittersweet nature of memories. The song reflects on a past relationship, conveying a sense of regret and unfulfilled desire. The lyrics suggest a longing to reconnect, see things through the other person’s eyes, make amends, or understand what went wrong. There’s a profound sense of something precious that has been lost, hinted at through metaphors of blindness and theft of the heart. The reference to “flowers of your December” and “dreams of your candy wine” adds a layer of nostalgia and yearning, indicating memories that are both sweet and sorrowful.
Curious about the deeper layers of “Flowers in December” by Mazzy Star? Read on to explore the intricate web of emotions and meanings woven into this classic tune.
“Flowers in December” Lyrics Meaning
Mazzy Star begin with a confession of sorts: “Before I let you down again, I just want to see you in your eyes”. This opening line sets a tone of regret and a desire for redemption. It’s as if the singer acknowledges past mistakes and yearns for a moment of true understanding, possibly even forgiveness.
“I wouldn’t have taken everything out on you, I only thought you could understand” hints at a relationship strained by miscommunications and unmet expectations. It suggests a history where burdens were unfairly shared, and understanding was assumed but perhaps not fully realized.
The chorus, “They say every man goes blind in his heart, And they say everybody steals somebody’s heart away”, introduces a universal theme of love and loss. It reflects the idea that in relationships, we often become blind to the needs or feelings of others. Similarly, the act of stealing someone’s heart can be seen as both an act of love and of taking something precious from another.
“Send me your flowers of your December, Send me your dreams of your candy wine” these lines evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. December flowers and candy wine are metaphors for sweet, yet fleeting moments. They symbolize cherished memories that the singer wishes to relive or hold onto.
“I got just one thing I can’t give you, Just one more thing of mine” – these lines are particularly poignant. They suggest a barrier, something the singer holds back or is unable to share. It could be a part of themselves, a secret, or an emotion that they find impossible to express.
The repetition of “They say every man goes blind in his heart, They say everybody steals somebody’s heart away” reinforces the central theme of the song – the inevitability of losing sight of what truly matters in relationships and the universal experience of having one’s heart taken away, willingly or otherwise.
The Story Behind “Flowers in December”
When exploring the story behind “Flowers in December”, one must consider the emotional landscape of Mazzy Star, particularly that of Hope Sandoval, the lead vocalist, and David Roback, the guitarist. Sandoval and Roback were known for their enigmatic personalities and their ability to channel deep, often melancholic emotions into their music. “Flowers in December”, released in the mid-1990s, came at a time when Mazzy Star was already established as a band that could evoke profound emotional responses through their music.
In this song, the melancholic tone and reflective lyrics suggest a period of introspection for the songwriter. It’s as if they were grappling with past relationships, understanding their own role in the joys and sorrows experienced. The recurring themes of blindness and theft of the heart could hint at personal experiences of love and loss, and the complexities involved in navigating such deep emotions.
Furthermore, the imagery of December and candy wine indicates a longing for times past, perhaps times of innocence or unspoiled beauty in the relationship. This nostalgic yearning is a common thread in many of Mazzy Star’s songs, reflecting a state of mind where past experiences, both sweet and painful, play a significant role in shaping one’s present emotional landscape.
The song, in its lyrical depth and melody, invites listeners to explore their own memories and emotions, making it a timeless piece in Mazzy Star’s repertoire.