Carnival
Åsa Håkansson/The Cardigans Lyrics

At the surface, "Carnival" by The Cardigans is a straightforward love song. The singer longs for the object of their affection, who seems hesitant or unwilling to reciprocate. The repetitive chorus expresses this frustration and longing: "I will never know / 'Cause you will never show / Come on and love me now / Come on and love me now." The carnival serves as a metaphor for the singer's desire for connection and excitement: "Carnival came by my town today / Bright lights from giant wheels / Fall on the alleyways / And I'm here / By my door / Waiting for you." The sounds of the carnival and the mention of a merry-go-round in the final stanza add to the whimsical, romantic theme.

However, it's worth diving deeper into the lyrics. The chorus's repetition of "I will never know / 'Cause you will never show" emphasizes the sense of ambiguity and uncertainty that often accompanies romantic attraction. The singer cannot read the other person's mind or predict their feelings, and this lack of certainty is both exciting and frustrating. Additionally, the lines "I hear sounds of lovers / Barrel organs, mothers" create a sense of longing and nostalgia for the singer. The carnival atmosphere brings up memories and associations of love and family, heightening the singer's desire for connection.

Overall, "Carnival" may seem like a simple love song, but its poetry and imagery give it depth and complexity. The song captures the excitement and uncertainty of attraction, as well as the power of nostalgia and memory to heighten romantic longing.