When you shall see flowers that lie on the plain
Lying there, sighing for one touch of rain
Then you may borrow some glimpse of my sorrow
And you'll understand
How I long for the touch of your hand
I've loved you so, you'll never know
How through those far-ways
And strange star-ways
On sea or on land
I will long for the touch of your hand
The lyrics of "The Touch Of Your Hand" by Melachrino Strings & Orchestra encapsulate a deep yearning and longing for a loved one. The imagery of flowers lying on the plain, sighing for a touch of rain, serves as a powerful metaphor for the singer's emotional state. Just as flowers depend on rain for nourishment and vitality, the singer appears to convey a sense of desolation and a desire for connection. The flowers' need for rain illustrates how the singer feels incomplete and is longing for something that will bring them fulfillment—the physical and emotional closeness represented by the 'touch' of a beloved's hand. This longing is universal, suggesting that the audience can empathize with the singer’s plight, capturing a moment of vulnerability and a deep-seated need for companionship.
As the lyrics progress, the singer reveals a deeper intensity in their affection, characterized by an almost ethereal quality as they reference “far-ways” and “strange star-ways.” This line evokes a sense of distance and the passage of time, hinting that the love they feel transcends conventional boundaries. Whether separated by physical miles or emotional barriers, the singer emphasizes that no distance or circ*mstance can lessen their desire for the touch of their loved one. The use of "sea or land" reinforces this idea of expansiveness, suggesting that love persists even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It romanticizes the idea of devotion that spans across varying environments and circ*mstances, enhancing the emotional depth and significance of the bond between the singer and the person they crave.
The profound sense of love expressed in the lines "I've loved you so, you'll never know" implies a certain tragedy within the relationship. The singer feels deeply for someone who is unaware of the extent of that affection. This sense of unrequited or unrecognized love intensifies the emotional weight behind the lyrics, creating an aching longing for acknowledgment. By stating that the beloved will never know the depth of the singer's feelings, there is a hint of sorrow intertwined with admiration. The song suggests that the singer feels an isolated love—rich in feeling yet devoid of reciprocity or recognition, which only amplifies their yearning and the loneliness that accompanies such deep passion. This theme of unreturned feelings is a poignant aspect of love that many can relate to, drawing listeners into the singer's emotional journey.
The overarching theme of longing in these lyrics serves to create a stark yet beautiful contrast between the physical world and emotional realities. The tangible desire for the touch of a hand is mirrored with the concept of longing that colors the entire experience. Touch here symbolizes connection, tenderness, and intimacy — elements that are sorely missed by the singer. This longing is not simply about physical touch but also embodies a deeper craving for emotional closeness and understanding. As the listener absorbs the lyrics, they can feel the deep personal significance that such a connection holds. In a broader sense, the song captures the essence of human experience—how love, in its many forms, can inform our emotions, provide comfort, and evoke the bittersweet reality of yearning for someone. The combination of vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and the poignancy of love creates a moving narrative that resonates with the listener on multiple levels.
When you shall see flowers that lie on the plain
When you observe the blossoms that rest quietly on the ground,
Lying there, sighing for one touch of rain
Resting there, yearning for just a drop of rain to revive them,
Then you may borrow some glimpse of my sorrow
Then you might catch a fleeting insight into my deep sadness,
And you'll understand
And you will comprehend,
How I long for the touch of your hand
How intensely I crave the warmth of your hand upon mine.
I've loved you so, you'll never know
I have loved you profoundly in ways you might never fully grasp,
How through those far-ways
That even through vast distances between us,
And strange star-ways
And through unfamiliar paths illuminated by distant stars,
On sea or on land
Whether traversing oceans or exploring the land,
I will long for the touch of your hand
I will forever yearn for the comforting connection of your hand.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Written by: JEROME KERN, OTTO HARBACH