Mary Hopkin's song "When He Shines" is about a complex and unpredictable man whom she loves despite his flaws. She describes him as both a child and an old man, sometimes mild and sometimes bold. He can be a tramp or a dude, changing colors like a chameleon depending on his mood. To Hopkin, he is like a tune that is difficult to write, and like a moon in the morning and a sun at night. Despite his temperamental nature, this man is gentle and strong, and he plays with Hopkin's emotions. However, when he shines, he shines so bright that it makes all the turbulence worth it. Hopkin admires his ability to dart from shadows into the light, always in perpetual flight. Overall, "When He Shines" is a love song that celebrates the complexity and enigmatic nature of the person being sung about. Despite his flaws, Hopkin is drawn to his shining moments and his ability to constantly surprise her.
