1880 Or So

Television's song '1880 Or So,' penned by Tom Verlaine, is a poetic exploration of love, longing, and the ephemeral nature of happiness. The lyrics open with a poignant address to the 'rose of my heart,' a metaphor for a beloved person. This rose is juxtaposed with 'misery,' suggesting a struggle between love and sorrow. The speaker acknowledges the allure of misery, which 'speaks fine with subtle art,' yet he resists being consumed by it, emphasizing the purity and beauty of his love.

The imagery in the song is rich and evocative, particularly in the lines describing the twilight and the falling star. The 'long twilight' and the 'hill so white' evoke a sense of timelessness and purity, while the falling star symbolizes fleeting moments of beauty and inspiration. This celestial imagery contrasts with the earthly concerns of the speaker, who is caught between the ethereal and the mundane.

As the song progresses, the speaker's reflections become more introspective. The 'face that glows in a golden hue' represents an idealized vision of love, something unattainable and mysterious. The speaker's vow to cherish 'tender things' highlights a desire to hold onto fleeting moments of joy and beauty. The closing lines, where the vision dims and the shadow swims, suggest the inevitable passage of time and the fading of these precious moments. The repeated refrain, 'O rose of my heart,' serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love, even in the face of life's transience.