Shine On Harvest Moon
Vaughn Monroe Lyrics

The song "Shine on Harvest Moon" by Vaughn Monroe was originally written by Jack Norworth and Nora Bayes in 1903, and remains a popular classic to this day. The song paints a picture of a dark and chilly night, with a couple sitting under a willow tree, pining for each other. The moon, however, refuses to shine, casting a gloomy mood over the scene. Little May confesses to being afraid of the darkness and begins to leave, prompting the boy to look up to the sky and lament his lack of love since January, February, June, or July. He wishes for the moon to shine on them, highlighting the significance of the harvest moon as a special time of year.

The lyrics are a testament to love and longing, as the couple yearns for each other but is held back by circumstances beyond their control. The phrase "harvest moon" refers to the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox and is associated with the harvest season. The boy's plea for the moon to shine on them is a metaphor for the hope of overcoming obstacles and rekindling their love, even in the darkest of times. The imagery of snow time reminds us that despite the lover's longing, they are limited by their surroundings, and must look forward to the next harvest moon.