You're Missing
Unseen Absence: Bruce Springsteen's Poignant Reflection on Loss
Lyrics
Shirts in the closet, shoes in the hall
Everyday items like shirts and shoes are stored away, suggesting normalcy.
Mama's in the kitchen, baby and all
The mother is busy in the kitchen with the baby, depicting a usual family scene.
Everything is everything
Things seem to be in their place and functioning normally.
Everything is everything
Reiteration of the stability and ordinariness of life.
But you're missing
An abrupt shift indicating someone important is absent, creating a void or loss.
Coffee cups on the counter, jackets on the chair
Objects like coffee cups and jackets symbolize daily routines, but someone is absent.
Papers on the doorstep, but you're not there
Despite daily occurrences, the person the singer addresses is missing.
Everything is everything
Life's routine continues despite the absence, emphasizing the contrast.
Everything is everything
Reiteration of the contrast between normalcy and absence.
But you're missing
Continued emphasis on the person's absence amid normality.
Pictures on the nightstand, TV's on in the den
Family photos and TV suggest waiting for the absent person to return.
Your house is waiting, your house is waiting
The home is prepared and anticipating the return of the missing individual.
For you to walk in, for you to walk in
Expressing longing for the absent person to come back home.
But you're missing, you're missing
Emphasizes the absence of the person despite the home being ready.
You're missing when I shut out the lights
The absence is felt even during mundane actions like turning off lights.
You're missing, when I close my eyes
The person is missed when the singer tries to sleep.
You're missing, when I see the sun rise
The absence is noticeable during significant moments like sunrise.
You're missing
Continued emphasis on the person's absence and its impact.
Children are asking if it's alright
Children inquire about the absent individual, indicating their concern and desire for their presence.
Will you be in our arms tonight?
Expresses a longing for the missing person to be back and be embraced.
Morning is morning, the evening falls I got
Describes the passage of time, morning to evening, highlighting the empty space in the singer's life.
Too much room in my bed, too many phone calls
The singer feels lonely in bed and overwhelmed by calls, missing the person.
How's everything, everything?
Questions about well-being, but the absence weighs heavily.
Everything, everything
Reiteration of inquiries about everything, but the absence is still prominent.
But you're missing, you're missing
The person's absence remains a significant void despite normal inquiries.
God's drifting in heaven, devil's in the mailbox
Metaphorical description indicating a sense of disorder and imbalance due to the absence.
I got dust on my shoes, nothing but teardrops
Shows the singer's desolation with metaphors of dust and tears.
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