Nature Boy
Ella Fitzgerald & Joe Pass Lyrics

There was a boy
This tells us that there was a boy, around whom the song revolves.

A very strange, enchanted boy
This line describes the boy's extraordinary and charming nature, which sets him apart from others.

They say he wandered very far, very far
This line suggests that the boy was a wanderer, who traveled long distances in search of something unique.

Over land and sea
This highlights the boy's adventurous spirit, who traversed any terrain to seek what he was searching for.

A little shy and sad of eye
This line portrays that although the boy was a wonderful person, he was often reticent, and his eyes showed a hint of sadness, which added to his complex personality.

But very wise was he
This line emphasizes the boy's intellect and sagacity, which made him different from his peers.

And then one day
This line suggests that one day something extraordinary happened.

A magic day he passed my way
This line describes the encounter which the singer had with the boy, which she considers as a magical experience.

And while we spoke of many things
This indicates that the two of them had a long conversation about several topics.

Fools and kings
This line conveys that they dwelled on both simple and complex topics, and their conversation was not limited to just one subject.

This he said to me
This indicates that the singer is now recalling the specific words that the boy spoke to her on that day.

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn
This is the beginning of the boy's message to the singer which he felt was of utmost importance.

Is just to love and be loved in return"
This is the very important advice that the boy gave to the singer, which is the crux of the song. It hints towards the significance of love and how nothing is greater than it.