The Hidden Background Behind Our Favorite Love Song

My husband and I love Loreena McKennitt's recording of St. John of the Cross' poem, "Dark Night of the Soul". The verse describes a man sneaking out into the night and meeting up with a lover. Yet, the lover mentioned in the poem is an insubstantial one. In escaping out to meet the lover, the poet is speaking about a spiritual that is learned about love and about God. What we like about "Dark Night of the Soul" is the lines "transforming each of them into the other," because it describes how close one can become in love or during lovemaking. It perhaps explains the sensation that happens when people share thoughts, find themselves looking or acting like their mate, or when one gives up their own individuality and acts for something larger than oneself including their partnership. In her notes about the recording, Loreena McKennitt speaks about how she felt the poem could act as a love song as well as the view presented by St. John of the Cross. See the links section of this article for the lyrics and for other poems by St. John of the Cross.

Sometimes the act of loving helps kindle love that is stronger and more bonding than the physical acts involved. It brings about the burning in the breast mentioned in the poem, lovesickness perhaps people call it. Yet, more importantly, the quiet acceptance and calm that is delivered after one has endured great pain and then reached beyond the lack of hope to receive love is a wonderful message. Everyone at one time or other is treated badly by others. Everyone that believes that love goes beyond the bonds of time, place and body, receives something eternal that can never be broken. Loreena McKennitt's vocals and music provide a tender setting to beautiful words. Her recording is a favorite among Celtic music lovers and has brought about renewed interest in St. John of the Cross and his message.