The Twelfth of Never

Johnny Mathis's song 'The Twelfth of Never' is a timeless ballad that beautifully captures the essence of eternal love. The lyrics are a poetic declaration of unwavering affection, using vivid and romantic imagery to convey the depth and permanence of the singer's feelings. Mathis compares his need for his beloved to the way roses need rain, emphasizing the essential and life-giving nature of their love. This metaphor sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is filled with similar expressions of enduring devotion.

The phrase 'the twelfth of never' is a poetic way of saying 'forever,' as it refers to a date that will never come. By using this phrase, Mathis underscores the idea that his love will last indefinitely, beyond the constraints of time. The song's bridge, with lines like 'Hold me close, melt my heart like April snow,' adds a layer of tenderness and intimacy, suggesting that the physical closeness and emotional warmth between the lovers are as fleeting and precious as snow in spring.

Throughout the song, Mathis employs various natural and poetic images to illustrate the constancy of his love. He sings of loving his partner until 'the bluebells forget to bloom' and 'the clover has lost its perfume,' both of which are impossible scenarios, further reinforcing the idea of an everlasting love. The repetition of these lines, along with the final tag, 'Until the twelfth of never and that's a long, long time,' leaves the listener with a profound sense of the singer's commitment and the timeless nature of true love.