Lavender

Marillion's 'Lavender' is a song that intertwines the innocence of childhood with the depth of adult emotions, creating a tapestry of nostalgia and romantic longing. The lyrics begin with the narrator walking in a park, a setting that often symbolizes peace and introspection. The sprinklers and children singing in the background evoke a sense of purity and joy, suggesting that the park is not just a physical place but a mental landscape where the narrator reminisces about a past love.

The chorus of the song borrows from an old English nursery rhyme, 'Lavender's Blue,' which adds a layer of timelessness and familiarity to the song. The repetition of 'dilly dilly' and the exchange of 'pennies for thoughts' suggest a playful yet earnest dialogue between lovers. The use of 'IOU' is a clever play on words, indicating a debt of love that the narrator feels towards their partner. This sentiment is reinforced by the longing expressed in the lines 'Oh, I gonna get back to you! Gonna find my way back to you!'

The song's structure and the repetition of the phrase 'for your love' emphasize the central theme of love and the lengths one will go to both remember and reclaim it. The blend of childlike innocence with the mature understanding of love's value creates a poignant contrast that resonates with listeners. 'Lavender' is not just a song about love; it's a journey through the emotions that bind us to our memories and to each other.