The News About William

Whispers of Despair: The Unraveling Tale in Calexico's 'The News About William'
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Lyrics

4 in the morning the sidewalk's asleep

Describes the quietness of the early morning at 4 am, with the implication that the city is still and asleep.

Dogs on the porch,

Mentions the presence of dogs on the porch, adding a touch of domesticity to the scene.

Spiders on the leaf

Refers to spiders on the leaf, possibly symbolizing delicate and unnoticed aspects of life.

Shipwrecked by night sailing through days

Metaphorically describes feeling lost or adrift, navigating through challenging times.


Nobody noticed the slipping away

Highlights a sense of detachment or lack of awareness as nobody notices something slipping away.

Connecting the dots with thorns in his side

Suggests overcoming difficulties represented by thorns in one's side while connecting the dots of life.

Boarded up the Windows with pain and with pride

Indicates shutting oneself off from the outside world, using pain and pride as barriers.

The music box broken that once was his soul

Describes a broken music box that symbolizes the loss of something essential to the person's identity.


Its sad little song spinning out of control

Expresses the sadness and chaos in one's life, likening it to a spinning and out-of-control music box.

Then came the storm that washed the roads out

Introduces a storm as a metaphor for a challenging or turbulent period in the person's life.

Closed both his eyes and pointed straight south

Suggests closing one's eyes and moving forward without clear direction during difficult times.

Second line drums marched into the sea

Depicts a dramatic scene with drums marching into the sea, possibly symbolizing a significant and irreversible event.


While the clouds overhead cried "mutiny"

Describes the clouds crying "mutiny," indicating a rebellion or uprising in the face of adversity.

They parted for Cathy and her bitter news

Refers to a character named Cathy delivering bitter news, causing a parting in the clouds and a dimming of the sky.

As her words fail and the sky grew dim

Highlights the emotional weight of Cathy's words and the darkening atmosphere as the news unfolds.

Recalled how close to that exit l've been

Recalls a personal connection to a potential exit, suggesting a reflection on one's own struggles or challenges.


Ours not to reply, ours not to reason why

Quotes a line reflecting a sense of resignation or acceptance in the face of life's uncertainties.

The news about William

Announces the arrival of news about a person named William, adding a central focus to the narrative.

The lifeline retreats

Describes a retreat of the lifeline, possibly symbolizing a loss of hope or a narrowing of options for William.

Desire for release

Expresses a desire for release, suggesting a longing for freedom or relief from the challenges faced.

The thorns in his side

Reiterates the presence of thorns in his side, emphasizing ongoing difficulties or pains in William's life.

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