This song is important for a lot of reasons related to the
band which recorded it, the genre of music it exemplifies, and rock n roll
overall. In my opinion it showcases the unfortunate fate of The Cure; they came
along too soon in the history of music. If for some reason, such as all the
band members being born ten years later, and they had blossomed in the
musical landscape of the 90's, one which rich with an alternative vibe, then
this song would had been one of the staples from its time period. Instead it
stands as one of the best "overlooked" songs from the 80's. In my
opinion, this song brings The Cure close to their musical counterparts from the
period, The Smiths. Now it has been reported Morrissey, the lead singer of The
Smiths had his gripes with The Cure, but for me this song is similar to the The
Smiths' "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out". Both songs feature an
expression of a hopeful romantic longing and a rich ambient musical landscape.
Embedded in that landscape is a persistent rhythm that is matched by sleek
and smooth piano, guitar and synthesizer. The music of the song both calms and
drives. It is a sound which allows a
listener is able to enter into a realm that is completely in awe of love.
For me, Robert Smith, the singer of this song and the genius behind
the band, in this song speaks of his wife in a manner which makes this song of
the greatest love songs ever. He gives a narrative of feelings and
realizations. Around two minutes into the song, Smith dubs his wife to be “just
like a dream”. The raw emotion embedded in his delivery endeared me to the song
and has me continue to go back to listen to it. The song’s title refers to the
final statement of the Robert Smith about his wife. After a reflection captured
in the words of the song, he realizes that she is nothing short of divine.
Immediately after, the song concludes. It is as if this realization took everything
out of Smith.
The idea that Smith realizing that his wife was both “just like a
dream” and “just like heaven”,coupled with his heavy emotional state throughout
the song suggest an experience with the Sublime. This category typically used in
aesthetics names an experience with something that is large, terrifying, raw,
rough, over-taking, but in the end not dangerous. Personally, I feel that Smith
experiences that when in the prescence of his wife. I do not know if that
sentiment would come across to other people but for this scholar, it shines as
bright as the sun.
Included here is the link for the song. The music video only adds
to the sentiments named above.
Please enjoy,
Nick Howard
