When Memories Become Legends | The Old Ways Are The Best | Loreena McKennitt

The song "The Old Ways Are the Best" by Loreena McKennitt is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the importance of preserving traditional ways of life. The lyrics are a nostalgic ode to the simplicity and beauty of earlier eras, where people lived in harmony with nature and with each other.

The song's narrator laments the passing of time and the erosion of these old ways, which she believes were more authentic and meaningful than the fast-paced, technology-driven world we live in today. She longs for a return to a simpler time, when community was stronger and people were more connected to the natural world. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery and poetic language, painting a picture of a bygone era where life moved at a slower pace.

Throughout the song, McKennitt's haunting vocals and soaring strings evoke a sense of wistfulness and longing, as she pines for the simplicity and beauty of those old ways. She sings about the importance of storytelling, traditional crafts, and communal gatherings, all of which are essential to preserving our cultural heritage.

The song also touches on the theme of nostalgia, acknowledging that looking back on the past can be bittersweet. However, McKennitt argues that by embracing our cultural traditions and honoring the old ways, we can find a sense of continuity and connection to our shared human experience. Ultimately, "The Old Ways Are the Best" is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage and the beauty of traditional ways of life.