Carnival
Åsa Håkansson; The Cardigans Lyrics

The Cardigans' song "Carnival" is a melancholy and bittersweet ode to unrequited love. The lyrics express a longing for someone who may never return the affections. The opening lines set the tone: "I will never know / 'Cause you will never show / Come on and love me now / Come on and love me now." The singer is almost resigned to the fact that her love interest may never feel the same way, yet she still holds a glimmer of hope.

The imagery of the carnival that passes through the town represents the transience and fleeting nature of love. The "bright lights from giant wheels" illuminate the alleys and streets, but as quickly as the carnival rolls in, it will eventually move on. The singer waits by the door, hoping for her love to arrive. She hears the sounds of lovers and barrel organs and mothers as they enjoy the spectacle. She longs to take her love interest there, to make them hers in a merry-go-round.

Overall, "Carnival" is a poignant song that captures the ache of wanting someone who may never reciprocate those feelings. With its haunting melody and vivid imagery, the lyrics speak to the universal experience of unrequited love.