About the song
In the realm of folk music, few duos have achieved the enduring legacy of Simon & Garfunkel. Their harmonious blend of voices, coupled with Paul Simon’s introspective songwriting, painted vivid sonic tapestries that resonated deeply with listeners. Among their extensive repertoire, “April Come She Will” stands as a poignant ballad that encapsulates the fleeting nature of love and the cyclical rhythm of time.
Released in 1966 as the B-side to their hit single “Scarborough Fair/Canticle,” “April Come She Will” initially garnered less attention than its counterpart. However, over the years, it has emerged as a beloved classic, cherished for its evocative lyrics and melancholic melody. The song’s opening lines, “April come she will, When streams are ripe and swelled with rain,” immediately establish a connection to the natural world, drawing parallels between the cyclical patterns of the seasons and the ebb and flow of human emotions.
As the song progresses, the listener is transported into a realm of fleeting encounters and impermanent love. “May she will stay, Resting in my arms again,” Simon sings, painting a picture of a tender embrace, yet the fragility of the moment is underscored by the conditional nature of the statement. The subsequent verses chronicle the shifting dynamics of the relationship, as the months pass and the initial passion gives way to restlessness and eventual separation.
The chorus, with its repetitive refrain of “April come she will, July she will fly,” serves as a constant reminder of the cyclical nature of time and the transient quality of love. The inevitability of change is further emphasized in the verse, “August die she must, The autumn winds blow chilly and cold,” as the imagery shifts to the colder months, mirroring the emotional distance that has grown between the lovers.
Despite the melancholic undertones, “April Come She Will” concludes on a note of quiet acceptance. “September I’ll remember, A love once new has now grown old,” Simon sings, acknowledging the passage of time while cherishing the memories of a love that once burned brightly. The final line, “And as years go by, Another April come she will,” suggests a cyclical pattern of love and loss, hinting at the possibility of new beginnings and the enduring power of the human heart.
With its profound lyrics and hauntingly beautiful melody, “April Come She Will” stands as a timeless testament to the enduring power of love and the bittersweet passage of time. It is a song that resonates deeply with listeners of all ages, offering solace and understanding in the face of life’s impermanence.