Memory

Johnny Mathis' rendition of 'Memory' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, loss, and the hope for renewal. The song opens with a haunting scene of midnight silence, where the moon, personified as having lost her memory, smiles alone. This imagery sets a melancholic tone, reflecting the singer's sense of isolation and longing. The withered leaves and moaning wind further emphasize the passage of time and the decay of past joys.

The chorus delves deeper into the theme of memory, as the singer reminisces about a time when they felt beautiful and happy. This reflection is bittersweet, as it acknowledges the fleeting nature of those moments. The line 'Let the memory live again' suggests a desire to relive or at least hold onto those cherished times, even as they remain out of reach. The fatalistic warning from the street lamps and the muttering voices add a sense of inevitability to the passage of time, reinforcing the idea that the past cannot be reclaimed.

As the song progresses, there is a shift from night to day, symbolizing a transition from dwelling on the past to looking forward to the future. The singer resolves to wait for the sunrise and think of a new life, refusing to succumb to despair. The imagery of 'burnt out ends of smoky days' and the 'stale cold smell of morning' captures the weariness of the present, yet the promise of a new day brings hope. The plea for touch in the final verse underscores the human need for connection and understanding, suggesting that through such connections, one can find happiness and begin anew.