Song meaning of Shadow Journal by Max Richter

The lyrics of "Shadow Journal" by Max Richter convey a sense of longing for durability and the fleeting nature of life. The artist marvels at the endurance of the sky before sunrise, which is drenched in light. The vibrant rosy colors paint the landscape, including buildings, bridges, and the iconic Seine river. Richter reflects on his presence in the world before the person he currently walks with was even born, emphasizing the passing of time.

He goes on to describe the cities on a distant plain, standing intact before being transformed into ashes through time. The people who once lived there were unaware of their eventual demise. Richter finds solace in the present moment, at dawn, as the only reality he truly experiences. The past lives and experiences are as uncertain as his own past life.

In the last line, he metaphorically casts a spell on the city, desperately asking it to endure, to last. This could represent a desire for immortality, a longing to preserve moments and experiences beyond the ephemeral nature of existence. The lyrics evoke a sense of melancholy and admiration for the beauty and transience of life, inviting listeners to reflect on their own mortality and the passing of time.