The song "I'll Only Miss Her (When I Think of Her)" by Harry Connick, Jr. explores the theme of longing for someone who is no longer present. The lyrics suggest that the narrator only realizes how much they miss this person when they actively think about them. It implies that the thoughts of this person consume the narrator's mind, showing that they are constantly reminiscing about their memories together. The song also highlights how the narrator finds beauty in the little things this person did or said. Even though they may have initially overlooked these gestures, they now perceive them as extraordinary and cherish them. The phrase "Things I found hard to praise, right now, would seem sublime" indicates that the narrator regrets not appreciating these special qualities earlier. The lyrics further reveal that the impact of this individual is so significant that even the laughter of a stranger reminds the narrator of the person they miss. The mention of the heart still hearing their laugh signifies the deep emotional connection they shared. However, the song acknowledges that over time, the longing for this person may become slightly less intense. The narrator believes that there will be moments when they can overcome this longing, and eventually, they may even forget about the person entirely, possibly in a hundred years. Overall, "I'll Only Miss Her (When I Think of Her)" explores the bittersweet feeling of missing someone and the gradual process of healing and moving on.
