I think you really nailed it, Dotdotdot (don't know if you'll ever read this since it's been some time since you posted).. There's more of a discussion under the Marilee Rush version, which is the one I grew up listening to.
Yes, the song gives a real poetic dignity to a one night stand, but I've always found the near-religious references are what takes it to a new level. Along with her loneliness, the singer appears to feel punishment for her actions is a distinct possibility. "If morning's echo says we've sinned, well it was what I wanted now," suggests a price to be paid for breaking the rules. "I'm old enough to face the dawn" is a beautiful way of saying, "if there's punishment, I'll accept it."
All in all, the song makes the ordinary extraordinary.
I think you really nailed it, Dotdotdot (don't know if you'll ever read this since it's been some time since you posted).. There's more of a discussion under the Marilee Rush version, which is the one I grew up listening to.
Yes, the song gives a real poetic dignity to a one night stand, but I've always found the near-religious references are what takes it to a new level. Along with her loneliness, the singer appears to feel punishment for her actions is a distinct possibility. "If morning's echo says we've sinned, well it was what I wanted now," suggests a price to be paid for breaking the rules. "I'm old enough to face the dawn" is a beautiful way of saying, "if there's punishment, I'll accept it."
All in all, the song makes the ordinary extraordinary.