"All The Lilacs In Ohio" is a song by John Hiatt and Jerry Douglas. The lyrics tell a story of reminiscence and longing for a lost love. The song begins by describing a meeting between the protagonist and a woman on a New York City staircase. The protagonist is struggling with the winter blues and attempting to write a great book, but feels overwhelmed. Despite this, he takes the woman to a less affluent part of town and shares a taxi with her. However, she leaves her handkerchief as a reminder that the protagonist is now alone. The scent of the handkerchief reminds the protagonist of springtime and his younger years. The phrase "all the lilacs in Ohio" represents the beauty and nostalgia associated with youth and love. The lilacs symbolize the fleeting nature of happiness and the longing for a past love that cannot be recreated. The song suggests that the protagonist often shares his love story with others but fails to capture the essence of it due to the intricate details and emotions involved. Despite this, he cannot forget the woman or her smile. He imagines her presence in his bed, thinking of her as he falls asleep. The song concludes with the reaffirmation of the protagonist's longing for the past and the sense of lost love. The scent of lilacs symbolizes the possibility of reliving the past and the desire to recapture the happiness and connection he once had. Overall, "All The Lilacs In Ohio" explores themes of nostalgia, lost love, and the yearning for a connection that can never be fully regained.
