Small Dark Movie
Navigating Life's Small Dark Movie: A Greg Brown Reflection
Lyrics
how are things going in the small dark movie of your life
Asking about the current state of affairs in the personal narrative or experience of the listener.
late at night you call your girlfriend in the morning you call your wife
Highlighting a pattern of secretive communication, suggesting a hidden or complex personal life.
in the morning you go for coffee leave town by the underpass
Describing a routine morning action of getting coffee, leaving town, and passing through an underpass.
leave whatever happened last night cigarette in a champagne glass
Conveying a detachment from the events of the previous night, symbolized by a cigarette in a champagne glass.
the road used to go someplace you never been before
Reflecting on the past when the road had unknown destinations, contrasting with the current repetitive nature.
now it's just a race track and the only prize is more
Depicting the road as a monotonous race track with no novelty, and the only reward is more of the same.
the only off-ramp is up ahead and just where ain't too clear
Suggesting uncertainty about the future with an unclear off-ramp, indicating a lack of clear choices or direction.
and change is a semi with smoking wheels filling the rear view mirror
Metaphorically describing change as a fast-moving semi-truck with smoking wheels in the rearview mirror.
you could really use a rain coat and a pair of cool shoes
Expressing a need for protection and style, possibly indicating vulnerability and a desire for a clearer path.
you could really use some idea of what you're gonna do
Expressing a desire for guidance or a plan in the face of an uncertain future.
but the road keeps coming at you and you find no place to rest
Describing the relentless nature of life's challenges, with no apparent place for relaxation or respite.
and in these small dark movies no-one knows what's best
Highlighting the ambiguity in life's narratives, where there is no clear answer to what is the best course of action.
so how are things going in the small dark movie of your life
Repeating the initial inquiry about the listener's life, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the small dark movie.
late at night you call your girlfriend in the morning you call your wife
Reiterating the pattern of secretive communication and the dual roles of calling a girlfriend at night and a wife in the morning.
in the morning you go for coffee leave town by the underpass
Repeating the description of the morning routine, emphasizing its regularity and lack of deviation.
leave whatever happened last night cigarette in the champagne glass
Reiterating the idea of leaving the past behind symbolized by a cigarette in a champagne glass.
how are things going
A direct repetition of the initial question, seeking an update on the listener's current situation.
how are things going
Repeating the question again, possibly underscoring the importance of understanding the listener's state of affairs.
how are things going
Repeating the question once more, creating a sense of continuity and a persistent curiosity about the listener's life.
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