Evie

Johnny Mathis's song 'Evie' delves into the complexities of a love that is both deeply felt and inherently doomed. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a relationship that, despite its emotional intensity, is destined to fail. Mathis begins by acknowledging the futility of the relationship, stating, 'There ain't no future in it, Evie / We never should begin it.' This sets the tone for a narrative of unrequited love, where the singer recognizes that while Evie may be perfect for him, he is not the right match for her.

The song's chorus introduces a sense of inevitability and fate, with lines like 'If time was half a nice guy, Evie / We might have had a nice try.' Here, Mathis suggests that external circumstances and timing play a significant role in the relationship's failure. The use of the metaphor 'time was half a nice guy' personifies time as an entity that could have been kinder, hinting at the idea that sometimes love is thwarted by factors beyond our control.

Despite the acknowledgment of the relationship's doomed nature, the singer's persistence shines through in the repeated lines, 'And though it's doomed and damned and dying / Something in me won't stop trying.' This highlights the human tendency to hold on to hope, even in the face of inevitable heartbreak. The song concludes with a sense of agency given to Evie, as Mathis sings, 'Evie, it's up to you,' leaving the final decision in her hands. This ending underscores the theme of unrequited love and the painful reality of loving someone who may not be able to reciprocate fully.