Milk and Honey
Sandy Denny Lyrics
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Soft and gentle are her skies
Yes and No are the answers
Written in my true love's eyes
Autumn's leaving, winter's coming
I think that I'll be moving on
I've got to leave him and find another
Round and round the burning circle
All the seasons, one, two, and three
Autumn leaves with the winter
Spring is born and wanders free
Gold and silver burned my autumns
All too soon they'd fade and die
And then there were no others
Milk and honey were their lies
The lyrics of Sandy Denny's "Milk and Honey" appear to be somewhat enigmatic at first glance. The song appears to be a lament of a person who is acknowledging that their love affair (or perhaps even a more complex relationship) has come to an end because they are heading towards different paths. Autumn is presented as the season that is winding down, with winter approaching. The singer is singing about leaving their lover, yet is also acknowledging the fact that they must do so if they are going to remain true to themselves. The answers to their questions are written in their true love's eyes – hence, the decision to move on is through their own understanding as they are able to read their true love's emotions.
The lyrics appear to present a somewhat somber tone, acknowledging the passing of time and the ending of a relationship. The singer speaks about the cycle of seasons and how each one blends into the next, similar to how the melting pot of emotions around the relationship, 'moves' forward. The gold and silver seasons represent the beginning of the singer's initial attraction with their love interest but are fading away into nothing, thus confirming the end of their affair. The final line of the song, "Milk and honey were their lies", further provides evidence that the relationship was disingenuous, superficial and ultimately a disappointment, representing a false narrative of perpetual love that was revealed later on.
Line by Line Meaning
Gold and silver is the autumn
The autumn season is characterized by the beauty of gold and silver colors.
Soft and gentle are her skies
The skies during the autumn season are tranquil and soothing.
Yes and No are the answers
The singer's true love communicates using only 'yes' or 'no' answers.
Written in my true love's eyes
The 'yes' or 'no' answers are conveyed through the expression in the artist's true love's eyes.
Autumn's leaving, winter's coming
The season of autumn is coming to an end and winter is approaching.
I think that I'll be moving on
The singer is contemplating leaving their current situation.
I've got to leave him and find another
The singer needs to leave their current love interest and seek out someone else.
I've got to sing my heart's true song
The artist needs to express their true feelings and desires.
Round and round the burning circle
The cycle of seasons repeats itself constantly.
All the seasons, one, two, and three
The artist is referring to the cyclical nature of the seasons, which consists of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Autumn leaves with the winter
The end of autumn is followed by the winter season.
Spring is born and wanders free
After a long winter, spring arrives and brings new life and possibilities.
Gold and silver burned my autumns
The beauty and allure of the autumn season eventually fades away.
All too soon they'd fade and die
The singer is lamenting the fleeting nature of beauty.
And then there were no others
After the autumn season ends, there is no other season quite like it.
Milk and honey were their lies
The artist realizes that the notion of 'milk and honey' is a deceitful and empty promise.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jackson C. Frank
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kaufman321
Gold and silver
Is the Autumn
Soft and tender
Are her skies
Yes and no
Are the answers
Written in
My true love's eyes
Autumn's leaving
And Winter's coming
I think that I'll be moving along
I've got to leave her
And find another
I've got to sing my heart's
True song
Round and round
The burning circle
All the seasons
One, two and three
Autumn comes
And then the Winter
Spring is born
And wanders free
Gold and silver
Burns my Autumns
All too soon
They'd fade and die
And then
Aye, there were no others
Milk and honey
Were their lies
@balamba4000
Her voice could tear out an emotion from a cold, dead stone. She is simply amazing.
@mm2280
She'd make a dead , cold stone Weep Forever = Seriously
@ronnieboydsmith
Sandy Denny..............what can one say? Her voice has always rendered me speechless. Beautiful.
@portcullis5622
"Spring is born, and wanders free". I love that line (by Jackson C Frank) and the way that Sandy Denny delivers it so beautifully. On a par with Natalie Merchant's "Spring keeps her promises, no cold can keep her back" on her wintery song 'Frozen Charlotte'.
@EmilFoghVids
I love all her JCF covers! So beautiful. 😍
@lhvent
I have just recently discovered Sandy Denny. A talent who left us way too soon.
@wudnbrane
one of those tracks that can reliably bring a tear to my eye
@portcullis5622
Remembering and celebrating Sandy Denny, 40 years, to the day, since her passing (21st April 1978). Such a gorgeous voice and unique talent.
@mauricehurley1261
Every song lilting, soulful ... the very finest British folk singer ... such range and poignance
@Alun49
I did not realise, but she died on my 21st Birthday. I recall reading about her death though and being very sad. She was a rare talent indeed. Such a tragic loss.