One Stage Before
Eternal Echoes: Al Stewart's Reflection on Life's Endless Stage
Lyrics
It seems to me as though I've been upon this stage before
Reflecting on a sense of déjà vu, feeling like having experienced the current situation on stage before.
And juggled away the night for the same old crowd
Juggling through the night for a familiar audience, suggesting a repetitive or cyclical nature of the performance.
These harlequins you see with me, they too have held the floor
The accompanying performers (harlequins) have also been on the stage before, sharing a history of performances.
As here once again they strut and they fret their hour
The performers strutting and fretting their hour on stage, referencing Shakespearean imagery from Macbeth.
I see those half-familiar faces in the second row
Observing vaguely familiar faces in the audience, perhaps indicating recurring themes or people in the artist's life.
Ghost-like with the footlights in their eyes
The audience appears ghost-like with the glare of the stage lights in their eyes.
But where or when we met like this last time I just don't know
Uncertain about when or where a similar meeting with the audience occurred last, expressing a sense of disconnection.
It's like a chord that rings and never dies
Comparing the experience to a chord that resonates endlessly, suggesting a lasting impact or memory.
For infinity
Emphasizing the enduring nature of the experience, stretching into infinity.
And now these figures in the wings with all their restless tunes
Introduction of characters in the wings, waiting for their turn on stage with restless tunes.
Are waiting for someone to call their names
These characters are anticipating acknowledgment, hoping for their names to be called.
They walk the backstage corridors and prowl the dressing-rooms
Describing the backstage activities and the transient nature of performers who fade away after their moment in the spotlight.
And vanish to specks of light in the picture-frames
Vanishing into specks of light in picture frames symbolizes the ephemeral nature of fame and recognition.
But did they move upon the stage a thousand years ago
Pondering whether these figures were part of performances in the distant past, possibly in historical cities like Paris or Madrid.
In some play in Paris or Madrid
Raising the question of the artist's participation in those historical plays.
And was I there among them then, in some travelling show
Expressing uncertainty about the past and whether those experiences are retained in memory.
And is it all still locked inside my head
Suggesting the possibility that these memories are locked inside the artist's mind for an indefinite period.
For infinity
Reiterating the enduring nature of these memories, extending into infinity.
And some of you are harmonies to all the notes I play
Acknowledging some audience members as harmonies to the artist's music, suggesting a deep connection.
Although we may not meet still you know me well
Despite not meeting in person, there is a mutual understanding between the artist and certain audience members.
While others talk in secret keys and transpose all I say
Others, however, remain distant and incomprehensible, using secret keys to interpret the artist's words.
And nothing I do or try can get through the spell
Expressing frustration that efforts to communicate with certain individuals are hindered by an unbreakable spell.
So one more time we'll dim the lights and ring the curtain up
Announcing another performance, repeating the cycle of dimming lights and raising the curtain.
And play again like all the times before
Highlighting the repetitive nature of performances, reminiscent of previous times.
But far behind the music you can almost hear the sounds
Alluding to the hidden emotions or experiences behind the music, suggested by sounds of laughter akin to waves on shores.
Of laughter like the waves upon the shores
Imagery of laughter emphasizes a contrast to the on-stage performance, possibly representing unexpressed emotions.
Of infinity
Reiterating the enduring and infinite nature of the artist's connection to the audience and the music.
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