IV
Rach three Lyrics

In the fourth movement of Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto, the lyrics depict a relationship that seems to be fleeting, fragile, and ultimately doomed. The singer reflects on a past love that occurred before the break of dawn, suggesting a sense of secrecy and intimacy shared only under the moon's watchful gaze. The imagery of sunrise and the sun symbolize a harsh reality that threatens to expose their love and force them to face the consequences.

As the lyrics unfold, there is a sense of inevitability and resignation in the face of this impending challenge. The couple considers their options - to either confront the harsh light of day and risk being exposed, or to retreat and hide away from the world, particularly down to the sea. Faced with the choice of confronting the truth or escaping from it, they contemplate the strength of their love and whether it can withstand the harsh light of reality.

Despite their desire to remain hidden and preserve their love in darkness, the singer acknowledges the inevitability of being discovered by the light. There is a sense of regret and longing in the verses where the singer considers what could have been done differently to protect their love from being exposed and ultimately coming to an end. The imagery of locking themselves inside, blocking out the light, and erasing all traces of their love suggests a desperate attempt to preserve what they have.

In the final moments of the lyrics, there is a poignant acknowledgment of the power of light to reveal the true nature of their hearts and the inevitability of their parting. The decision to part ways is depicted as a necessary consequence of the light penetrating their innermost feelings and exposing the fragility of their love. The theme of inevitability, regret, and the bittersweet acceptance of the end of a once-powerful love is beautifully captured in these haunting lyrics, reflecting the emotional depth and complexity of Rachmaninoff's music in this melancholic movement.