Mirrors & Smoke

I'm not sure what the author(s) intended but to me this song is an allegory of our relationship (as Christians) with God.

At first to me it sounded like a really bad relationship but as I listened to the lyrics it seemed to be alluding to our desire to please and love God in our weak and prideful way.

"I give you flowers, give you candy to even out the guilt." sounds to me like our feeble attempts to please God and make amends for our sins in our own strength. We try to do all the right things but our best could never please God. He wants our devotion.

"You'll always make me sad, but that's what true love is all about." could be talking about Gods passion for us and the fact that we always fall short but he is always faithful to us and forgives us. Equally, it could be speaking of the fact that true love is a commitment and completely transcends emotions. (Love)...endures all things. -1 Corinthians 13:7

This song reminds me of U2. Happy Valentine's Day...just kidding.

I love this song. Leigh Nash is a pleasant suprise as the duet vocalist.

I imagine "You always make me sad, but that's what true love is all about" will be a source of confusion. I think it's trying to say not that true love is sadness, but rather inevitably involves it, and true love will bear that part: "Love's a constant mission [struggle]"

I love how Jars of Clay can integrate a relationship with God into a relationship with other people. It astounds me how well they are able to do that.

This song can interpreted in multiple ways I'm sure, but I agree with straight up, I think. You make a good point.

What astounds me is how Jars of Clay continues to write inspired relevant lyrics. It's sick how at one part of my life or another I end up relating very strongly to their lyrics.

When I first heard this song I didn't understand it and definitely didn't relate it. Now it works to a T, except for the "flowers and candy" line. I dedicate this song to you SJM. Amazing stuff.

while most of jars of clay songs are about god, this one is NOT. "i want to kiss your lips?" really? its even a duet done by a guy and a girl!

this is definitely about a relationship with a person, as evidenced by mistakes made by both parties (god would not make mistakes).

with past boyfriends, they seem to pull away and be quiet if they think im upset instead of comforting me, because they think i need space. when in reality, its all the distance and space between us that is making me upset. "its love that keeps me silent, its my silence you detest"

she loves him, and he loves her, but he cant commit for some reason (perhaps he doesnt feel good enough for her, or still lusts after other girls) "my love will keep you wishing, my heart will keep me broke"

he tries to make up for this with cards and flowers, but its just a river into an empty ocean, because hes not committing emotionally. She still needs more from him, shes still waiting for more.

he sincerely wants to devote himself to her because he loves her, and she sees this (part of the reason she stays around) but even so even she knows he never will.

the song doesnt pose any answers, except by saying that even if he did commit and did everything she wanted, it still wounldt be enough to satisfy her completely, so might as well try to be happy with the current situation.

the song is merely a portrait of their unspoken and undefined relationship, without judgement or preachy advice. this is what makes it so beautiful and sad at the same time.

<3

Okay I have looked at this from a spiritual angle and then a love angle and then it dawns on me, this is pretty sad.

When I look at this song and hear it. When I close my eyes and listen, I hear a man who wants to have an affair, maybe even started to then feels guilty because he has a wife and needs to do the right thing. Which is to stay away and try to cover it up by sending flowers and candy.

She on the other had is in love and willing to forgive but is hurt by the whole thing. All he can do is wish he had a choice that would not contradict his faith in the Lord and his vowel to stay committed to his wife. However because that choice is not an option all he can do is wish and not act on it and hope that she can forgive him and he find a way to relieve his guilt and move on.

The first time I heard this I was not sure about what I was hearing and it's meaning, since then I have asked several friends to listen to it and tell me what they think. Most of them walked away feeling the same way I do about this song.

The truth is that in the reality of the life we live, we see infidelity across the board, you can't watch a movie without seeing something stupid like cheating. You can't watch a reality show without seeing someone trying to fulfill their flesh by going all the way. As sad as it is we are so surrounded by these kinds of messages, so why not sing about the struggle on man has and his guilt to try to move on and do the right thing.

Just thought I would put that out there.