(Ancient Text by Ovid, translated by Rolphe Humphries) and (Contemporary Song by Tyler Farr)
When you combine love with wine, the result of this mixture can either be pleasant or surprisingly bad. In the ancient as in the modern world, drinking often coincides with social interaction and meeting new people. With help from liquid courage, someone may be surprisingly successful in finding a partner. But alcohol can also deceive our judgement, leading us to regret some questionable choices when the effects wear off. Tyler Farr’s lyrics tell of a classic tale of a man and woman meeting and falling in love at a bar but ultimately splitting ways. Similarly, Ovid warns that the wine may make the other person appear more beautiful than they actually are, which may lead to dissatisfaction in the future.
Although both are discussing the potential pitfalls of falling in love with someone at a bar or while drunk, Ovid’s writing is informational on how to find a lover and overall has a optimistic tone. Book 1 of Ovid’s focuses on the best places to ingratiate yourself with a lover without raising too much suspicion. Tyler’s song instead is an entertaining warning on falling in love at the wrong place.
“That is the time when girls can capture the hearts of their young men:
When you have Venus in wine, then you have fire in fire.
Don’t, at any such time, put too much faith in lamplight.
Judgement of beauty can err, what with the wine and the dark.”
Book I, Lines 244-247