☝️ Key Points
- The song is about longing for a loved one who has been absent for 15 months.
- The protagonist expresses their concern and hope that the loved one is doing well, possibly in prison.
- The verses reflect the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist regarding the absence of their partner.
- The closing verses express the protagonist's desire for a break to recover from the hardships of separation.
- The song lyrics convey the emotional highs and lows associated with a long absence and separation.
Interpretation
'Fifteen Months' by
Joan Baez is a song about longing for a loved one who has been absent for 15 months. The lyrics describe the feelings and thoughts of the protagonist as she experiences the loneliness and pain of separation.
The song begins with a description of the surroundings in which the protagonist finds herself - the cats are sleeping in the autumn sun, the dog is chasing a deer, and the coffee cup is cold. These details convey a sense of solitude and the fleeting nature of time.
The refrain 'And hello, I wish you well, where you sleep all in your cell' suggests that the loved one may be in prison. The protagonist sends good wishes and greetings to him, expressing her concern and hope that he is doing well.
The verses reflect the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist regarding the absence of her partner. She acknowledges that her situation is not as dire compared to others, but she still feels sadness and frustration. She describes her friends who stand by her and help her, but she still feels lonely and has 'the blues'.
The closing verses express the protagonist's desire for a break. She longs for some time to recover from the strain of the separation. Her thoughts revolve around the baby's crying and the desire to take a solitary walk by the sea to gather herself and find renewed strength.
Overall, the lyrics of 'Fifteen Months' by Joan Baez convey the longing, loneliness, and hope of a woman waiting for her partner's return. The text conveys the emotional ups and downs associated with a long absence and separation.