The song "She" by Harry Connick, Jr. is a poetic exploration of love, selflessness, and the transient nature of life. The lyrics symbolize the ethereal and mysterious qualities found in the elements of water, rock, fire, wind, and the chemical element mercury. The song starts by suggesting the act of placing a hand on the water, representing a connection to something greater than oneself. The lyrics emphasize going within, finding inner peace and harmony. "Wash away to fair morrow, ride ahead" implies letting go of the past and moving forward with optimism, ready to face whatever lies ahead. "Make your mark upon the rock for another one" encourages leaving a positive impact on the world, symbolized by leaving a mark on a solid foundation. The lines "Ashes tell tales, fire gives faith, burn it up burn it up" suggest that experiences and trials in life shape who we are and strengthen our faith. Burning something up signifies letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings. The next section focuses on a woman who embodies selflessness and love. "She would waste not, not in struggle" describes her refusal to waste her time in unnecessary conflicts or struggles. "No other shall there ever be" emphasizes her uniqueness and the impossibility of finding someone like her. The lines "Is as the wind to mercury" depict her nature as elusive and ever-changing, just like the wind sweeps over the liquid metal mercury. The following verses advise against praying for a heartless town or living in a soulless city, as such environments can drain one's spirit. It encourages finding a sense of belonging and home without necessarily being tied to a specific place of birth. The phrase "Many a night were you ready for your bed, but your bed not ready for you" symbolizes the longing for love and companionship, suggesting that finding a genuine connection can be elusive and unpredictable. The song revisits the qualities of the selfless woman, highlighting her ability to give without expecting anything in return. She offers herself freely and unconditionally, comparable to the wind's interaction with mercury. The line "And she'd hold not, of another man, no other shall there ever be" reinforces her devotion and exclusivity to a specific person, emphasizing a profound and unique connection. In summary, "She" is a song that explores the abstract and intangible aspects of love, selflessness, and the transient nature of life. The lyrics evoke a sense of mystery and ethereality, using various elements to symbolize different aspects of these themes.
