A Boy and a Girl

The first time I heard this song, it was performed live by an amazing Candian choir called Kokopelli. Before they sang, a member of the group came up and explained it. He said it was about a boy and a girl, in love as children, then adults, and the third verse was after they had died and been buried. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the last verse though- it has no words, but is just hummed. The man explaining it told us to listen closely to the last part, because you could hear that their story wasn't over, and their love goes on, even if we can't see it.

Though I think the comments above are plausible interpretations, I do not think the true love idea captures the complete meaning behind the lyrics. Here is how I would interpret this piece:

Once their love was young, bright, warm, and sweet, like oranges. Later, their love and their kisses have become sour, like limes. Finally, there are no kisses, just the silence of two souls who have drifted apart "giving silence for silence." This, to me, would be a more accurate interpretation of the meaning behind the lyrics. The music is also very telling to this interpretation as well.

This song means true love. These young ones lied on the grass toghether, kissing. They lied on the beach together, kissing. And they died together, but still loving each other.

I created an account specifically to comment on this song. A Boy and a Girl is beautiful, touching, and is the most amazing song I've ever heard. The chord structures are so gorgeous; the first time I heard it performed by a regional chorus in Pennsylvania, it brought me to tears. Together, the music and lyrics to this song make up a phenomenal song.

A Boy and a Girl is just what symphodude said. It goes from major to minor when the words talk about them dying... and the song ends in major, a happy ending; they died together and still love each other.

I heard this song one time and fell completely in love with it. The essence of the lyrics and the cascading energies of the choral voice leave me completely spellbound every time I play it.

That being said...my other reason for posting is to give my interpretation of the song up for consideration;

My experience being alive these short 32 yrs has shown to me that I am a duelistic creature....both feeling ("feminine") as well as thinking ("masculine"). Although I too love the "true love" interpretation of the song best, I am also a practical person. I am finding a true love relationship with myself...and it feels so strange, but right. Maybe then i'll be ready to meet my soulmate...lol - thanks everyone for posting their beautiful thoughts. I joined this site just so I could so thank you and post...and then I got distracted with my passion for this song! Hope everyone is having a fantastic day. Live. Love. BE. -jovh

I thought the second verse said "Savoring their lives"? No?

Okay I made an account just to comment on the song.

I think there is something really missing without the music, though the poem is fantastic on its own. I agree that it's about their love, but the way the music is written is kind of strange. The first two verses have a sort of "matter of fact" feeling to them, for the most part, but also a lot of really beautiful parts (like the "waves... and clouds...."). I think this is indicative of the idea that love is both commonplace and beautiful.

The third verse is what really gives me chills. The lyrics sound sad on their own, but when you listen to the music it becomes apparent that it isn't a sad verse. If anything, its solemn and beautiful. Whitacre is a genius because the go-to emotion would be "oh look they died how sad," but that's not what he went for; he went for "look at how beautiful it was that they loved," and oh my gosh he pulls it off so well.

Also, my personal take on the final verse without words is that it's them in the afterlife, but that might be too superficial. It could also show that their love lives on even after their death.

My goodness I love this song.

This song is about two lovers who enjoy each others company up until death and even then they are still by each others' side. They are in each others company both as wordly beings and in what life has to offer after.