Summer also sings and performs in the medieval/neoclassical duo Mirabilis.
Official Page: www.tmitg.com
Valentine
the Machine in the Garden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whilst waves of laughter bring forth tears
But so i look on you fair and true
Look back at me, ere i be blue
Tis the play my heart draws near
The words, not verse, that are so dear
I give myself to you in my hands
Gallant hearts collide in one
I hope you not let me be undone
On my life, you are a dream
I please you, be you what you seem?
Speak you fair and tell me so
If you love me not, ere i'll go
But place a kiss on my gentle hand
And with you always i will stand
The lyrics of "Valentine" by The Machine in the Garden convey a sense of longing, vulnerability, and hope in the realm of love. The opening lines, "Softly music plays in mine ear, whilst waves of laughter bring forth tears," suggest a bittersweet experience where joy and sadness intertwine. The singer acknowledges their own emotional sensitivity as they describe looking at the person they love, hoping for reciprocation before feelings of melancholy overwhelm them.
The lyrics continue with an expression of surrender and devotion, as the singer gives themselves fully to their beloved. The phrase "I give myself to you in my hands, this, our journey, to wonderland" signifies a willingness to embark on a shared adventure, a leap into the unknown together. There is a desire for mutual affection and a fear of being undone, as expressed in the line "Gallant hearts collide in one, I hope you not let me be undone." The individual sees their beloved as a dream, a source of happiness and fulfillment, and implores them to be genuine and honest in their affection.
The song's chorus reflects the vulnerability and need for reassurance, with the singer requesting their beloved to speak honestly about their feelings. It is a plea for genuine love, as depicted in the lines "Speak you fair and tell me so, if you love me not, ere I'll go." Ultimately, the singer seeks validation through a simple act of affection, symbolized by the request for a kiss on their hand. This act, they believe, will solidify their unity and their commitment to standing together.
Overall, "Valentine" conveys a yearning for love, vulnerability in offering oneself to another, and a search for mutual understanding and commitment.
Line by Line Meaning
Softly music plays in mine ear
Gentle melodies resonate in my mind
Whilst waves of laughter bring forth tears
Though laughter surrounds me, it brings underlying sadness
But so i look on you fair and true
When I gaze upon your genuine beauty
Look back at me, ere i be blue
Return my gaze before I become melancholic
Tis the play my heart draws near
My heart gravitates towards this romantic connection
The words, not verse, that are so dear
It's not the structure, but the heartfelt words that hold significance
I give myself to you in my hands
I offer my entire being to you with utmost vulnerability
This, our journey, to wonderland
Together, we embark on a magical adventure
Gallant hearts collide in one
Two courageous hearts coming together as a unified force
I hope you not let me be undone
I trust you won't leave me broken and incomplete
On my life, you are a dream
You are the embodiment of my deepest desires
I please you, be you what you seem?
I hope I bring you happiness, are you truly as you appear?
Speak you fair and tell me so
Speak honestly and openly, let me know your true feelings
If you love me not, ere i'll go
If you don't love me, I'll depart before enduring more pain
But place a kiss on my gentle hand
Express your affection by kissing my delicate hand
And with you always i will stand
I will remain by your side forever
Contributed by Scarlett B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ben - Moderator
on Time
Thanks Summer and I apologise for these errors. Due to inaccuracies such as these we have temporarily removed the "Interesting Facts" section from all songs until they are 100% fact checked.
Ben - Moderator
on Dreams of the Absent
Thanks Summer and I apologise for these errors. Due to inaccuracies such as these we have temporarily removed the "Interesting Facts" section from all songs until they are 100% fact checked.
Ben - Moderator
on Suspend
Thanks Summer and I apologise for these errors. Due to inaccuracies such as these we have temporarily removed the "Interesting Facts" section from all songs until they are 100% fact checked.
Ben - Moderator
on Wonderland
Thanks Summer and I apologise for these errors. Due to inaccuracies such as these we have temporarily removed the "Interesting Facts" section from all songs until they are 100% fact checked.
Ben - Moderator
on Final Form
Thanks Summer and I apologise for these errors. Due to inaccuracies such as these we have temporarily removed the "Interesting Facts" section from all songs until they are 100% fact checked.
Ben - Moderator
on Falling Into the Sea
Thanks Summer and I apologise for these errors. Due to inaccuracies such as these we have temporarily removed the "Interesting Facts" section from all songs until they are 100% fact checked.
Ben - Moderator
on Cold
Thanks Summer and I apologise for these errors. Due to inaccuracies such as these we have temporarily removed the "Interesting Facts" section from all songs until they are 100% fact checked.
Ben - Moderator
on Cimmerian
Thanks Summer and I apologise for these errors. Due to inaccuracies such as these we have temporarily removed the "Interesting Facts" section from all songs until they are 100% fact checked.
Summer
on Time
- Machine in the Garden was formed in the mid-1990s by Roger Fracé and Summer Bowman, who have been the core members of the band ever since.
- The band's name comes from a poem by William Blake, which describes a "satanic mill" that functions like a "machine in the garden," disrupting the natural world.
- Machine in the Garden's music is often categorized as "ambient" or "darkwave," and is known for its lush, atmospheric soundscapes.
- The lyrics of "Time" reflect a recurring theme in Machine in the Garden's music, which explores issues of mortality, memory, and the passage of time.
- The band is known for its elaborate live performances, which often feature elaborate costumes, stage sets, and projections.
- Machine in the Garden has released nine albums to date, including "One Winter's Night," "Asphodel," and "Shadow Puppets."
- The band has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including Black Tape for a Blue Girl and Faith and the Muse.
- In addition to her role in Machine in the Garden, Bowman has also worked as a backing vocalist for other bands, including the legendary gothic rock band The Mission.
"Time" was originally from Asphodel only. It was never on "One Winter's Night..." Roger formed the band as a solo project, Summer came later in 1997. The band's name is not from a poem by William Blake. The band has never had an elaborate live performance with costumes and sets. The band has never collaborated with Black Tape or Faith and the Muse. Bowman never did vocals for The Mission.
Summer
on Dreams of the Absent
It was actually released on "Underworld" in 1997.