The Purgatory Line
In Purgatory's Embrace: Love, Loss, and the Search for Answers
Lyrics
This ain't exactly hell.
This situation isn't precisely like hell.
It sure as hell ain't heaven.
It's definitely not heaven.
I love you like the dickens and I miss you like the Devil.
The speaker deeply loves the person addressed (likely a romantic partner) and feels an intense longing for them.
I guess I'll do my time waitin' in this purgatory line.
The speaker feels they'll spend their time waiting in a state of uncertainty and limbo (symbolized as a 'purgatory line').
Angels here are wearin' fancy new perfume,
Even in this ambiguous place, there are beings (angels) presenting themselves in an extravagant way.
And all the bread's unleavened.
The food available isn't what's expected or usual (unleavened bread is atypical).
Well I guess it'll have to do till I find you.
The speaker acknowledges the inadequacy of this situation but remains in it until finding the person they miss.
I don't know what I'm doin' here or why
The speaker is unsure of their purpose or reason for being in this state.
I'm waitin' in this purgatory line.
Expresses uncertainty and confusion about waiting in this purgatory-like situation.
I ain't exactly up.
The speaker feels neither elevated nor significantly down or low.
I ain't gone too far down.
They haven't fallen too deeply into despair or negativity.
I'm lookin' for some answers and there ain't no one around.
Despite seeking answers, there's an absence of guidance or help.
I guess I'll lose my mind waitin' in this purgatory line.
Expresses the potential for losing mental stability while enduring this indefinite waiting period.
If Jesus walked on water then where'd he get them shoes?
Rhetorical question questioning the origin of Jesus' miraculous abilities, highlighting a sense of confusion or disbelief.
It just keeps gettin' harder to lose these walkin' blues.
The challenges or difficulties faced seem to be increasing, making it harder to overcome feelings of sadness or depression ('walkin' blues').
I want you to come and take me home for a while.
Desire for the person addressed to bring comfort or relief by taking the speaker away from this ambiguous state.
Save me from this purgatory line.
Wishing to be rescued from the state of purgatory, seeking resolution or escape.
Sometimes I can laugh.
There are moments of happiness or levity within this challenging situation.
Other times I cry.
Alternating emotions of laughter and crying in response to the circumstances.
It ain't exactly funny.
The situation isn't amusing or enjoyable, despite occasional moments of humor.
My feet are both on fire.
An intense sensation of discomfort or pain ('feet on fire').
I guess they'll just burn for a while waitin' in this purgatory line.
Acceptance of enduring pain while waiting in this state of limbo.
Lovin' you is so easy, but waitin' here just ain't.
Loving the addressed person is effortless, but waiting in this situation is challenging.
I know I can be patient, but please don't hesitate to cross my mind.
Encouraging the addressed person to think about the speaker, as waiting is difficult.
That's all I've got for a while.
Expresses a temporary pause in communication or expression of feelings while enduring this state.
Waitin' in this purgatory line.
Continuing to wait in this ambiguous and uncertain state.
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