Gatekeeper

Feist's song 'Gatekeeper' is a poetic exploration of the cyclical nature of love and the changing seasons. The lyrics begin with the onset of summer, a time often associated with new beginnings and romance. The imagery of 'painting in a new start' suggests the fresh and hopeful feelings that come with new love. However, the mention of gates opening to other gates hints at the inevitable transitions and changes that follow, much like the seasons themselves.

As the song progresses, Feist personifies the months of June, July, and August, which advise living in the moment rather than planning too far ahead. This reflects the fleeting nature of summer love, where the warmth and passion are intense but temporary. The 'Gatekeeper' in the song seems to have control over the seasons, symbolizing the forces that dictate the flow of time and emotions. The gatekeeper's ability to 'make the summer go on and on' represents a desire to prolong the blissful moments of love.

However, the song takes a turn as it describes the lovers trying to sustain their relationship through the colder months. The love that blossomed in the summer 'froze,' indicating that the passion could not withstand the harshness of winter. February and April, representing the colder and transitional months, warn against being deceived by the temporary warmth of summer. The gatekeeper's role shifts to extending the winter, symbolizing the prolonged period of emotional coldness and distance. Through this metaphor, Feist beautifully captures the ebb and flow of relationships, mirroring the natural cycles of the seasons.