In the song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot, the line "Does any one know where the love of God goes When the waves turn the minutes to hours?" is a metaphorical expression that reflects on the profound and tragic nature of the event being described in the song.
The song tells the story of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a freighter that tragically sank in Lake Superior during a storm in 1975. The line in question is contemplating the fate of the crew members on board the ship as they face their impending doom.
When the waves turn the minutes to hours, it suggests that the relentless and overwhelming power of the storm has made time seem to slow down or stretch out. In such a dire situation, moments can feel like an eternity, and the desperate struggle for survival becomes all-consuming.
The reference to the "love of God" in this context implies a sense of spiritual contemplation and reflection on the transient nature of life and the potential uncertainty of what lies beyond. It raises questions about the fate of those involved in the tragedy and where their souls might go after such an event.
Overall, this line captures the emotional depth and existential themes of the song, as it delves into the haunting circumstances surrounding the shipwreck and the profound impact it has on those involved and those left behind.