It Might As Well Be Spring

Astrud Gilberto's rendition of 'It Might As Well Be Spring' captures a profound sense of restlessness and longing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels out of place and discontented, despite the absence of any external signs of spring. The metaphor of 'spring fever' is used to describe this inner turmoil and desire for change, even though it isn't actually spring. This suggests that the feelings of renewal and transformation associated with spring are more about the individual's internal state than the actual season.

The song's imagery is rich with metaphors that convey a sense of unease and anticipation. The comparison to a 'willow in a wind storm' and a 'puppet on a string' highlights the lack of control and the overwhelming emotions the narrator is experiencing. The mention of being 'starry-eyed and vaguely discontented' further emphasizes the sense of longing for something more, something different. This is a common theme in many of Gilberto's songs, where she often explores complex emotions with a delicate and nuanced touch.

The repeated wish to be 'somewhere else' and to hear 'words that I have never heard' from a man yet to meet underscores a deep-seated desire for new experiences and connections. This yearning for the unknown and the unfamiliar is a powerful driving force in the song, making the listener empathize with the narrator's plight. The juxtaposition of feeling 'gay in a melancholy way' encapsulates the bittersweet nature of this longing, where the hope for change is tinged with a sense of sadness and uncertainty. Ultimately, the song suggests that the promise of spring, with its connotations of new beginnings and possibilities, is a state of mind rather than a physical reality.