China Roses

The emotional journey of 'China Roses' by Enya begins with a profound sense of inquiry and yearning. The opening lines set the stage for a contemplative exploration of the afterlife, or perhaps the nature of a perfect existence. The references to the 'Sappho Comet' and 'Angel's tears' evoke a connection between the celestial and the terrestrial, implying a longing for an understanding of the universe that lies just beyond human grasp. The listener is drawn into an almost ethereal pondering of life's great mysteries.

As the song progresses, the emotion shifts to one of admiration and awe for the beauty that is present in the everyday world. The mention of the 'new aurora' and 'Key of Heaven' suggest a kind of enlightenment or revelation, as if witnessing the dawn or the turning of the sky can unlock a higher state of being. Enya's use of rich, poetic imagery implicates an intense appreciation for nature's splendor, stirring feelings of peace and tranquility within the listener.

The mention of 'China Roses' and the powerful image of 'Earth's last picture, the end of evening' brings with it a sense of enduring beauty and the passage of time. The listener is invited to consider the fleeting moments of life and the perpetual cycle of day and night. This sense of continuity and the infinite suggests a connection between personal experience and the broader strokes of the universe, highlighting an emotional journey that is both deeply introspective and expansively cosmic.

Finally, Enya's journey through 'Woods of dreams' to a 'new world' signifies a transition from pondering to understanding. The susceptible dreamlike state induces a feeling of quest and discovery, implying that heaven or paradise might not be a distant realm but rather a state of mind or being that can be achieved by embracing the wonders of the natural world. In the end, the listener feels a comforting sense of completion and contentment, resting in the thought that an earthly paradise is sufficient to fulfill one's desire for wonder.