Sonnet No. 18
Bryan Ferry · Slave To Love: Best Of The Ballads [2000]
Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May
And summer's lease hath all too short a date.
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines
And often is his gold complexion dimmed
And every fair from fair sometime declines
By chance, or nature's changing course untrimmed
But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st.
Nor shall death brag thou wander'st in his shade.
When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st.
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see
So long lives this, and this brings life to thee.
Sonnet No. 18 - Bryan Ferry
Bryan Ferry's 'Sonnet No. 18' stands as a poignant exploration of the human condition, blending poetic introspection with his signature theatrical flair. Originally penned by David Bowie and recorded by Roxy Music, Ferry's rendition on the 2000 compilation 'Slave To Love: Best Of The Ballads' captures the song's melancholic beauty while infusing it with his own distinctive vocal texture. The track exemplifies Ferry's ability to reinterpret classic material, transforming it into a personal statement about love, loss, and the fragility of existence. Its inclusion in this curated collection highlights its enduring appeal within Ferry's discography, showcasing his commitment to emotional depth and artistic integrity across his career. The song remains a testament to the power of reimagining iconic works, resonating with listeners who appreciate the intersection of literary themes and rock music.