Still Looking For Something
Quest for Freedom: Jackson Browne's Nightly Pursuit
Lyrics
I'm still looking for something
I'm still in search of a meaningful purpose or goal in life.
I'm out here under the streetlight, baby, I'm
I am standing under the streetlight, metaphorically representing a search or quest.
Still looking for something in the night
The search for something continues into the night, suggesting a persistent quest.
I might be giving up something
There's a possibility of sacrificing or giving up something in this pursuit.
You don't get something for nothing, baby
Emphasizes that rewards often require effort; nothing comes without a cost.
Nothing you can hold up to the light
Things you gain may not always be tangible or easily understood.
If all I find is freedom, it's alright
Finding freedom alone is acceptable as an outcome.
And I knew since I was just little
Early awareness that life can shape and refine one's aspirations.
The sharp edges of the world will whittle
Life experiences can erode the grandeur of your dreams.
Your dreams down to shavings at your feet
The challenges of life can reduce dreams to mere remnants at your feet.
Gonna do my best not to settle
Determined not to settle for less than what is desired.
I know it's gonna test my mettle
Expecting challenges that will test one's strength and resilience.
Keep my options open, even so I'm hoping
Keeping possibilities open while maintaining hope.
And I'm still looking for something
The ongoing search for something persists despite being overdue.
Way out over my due date, baby, I'm
Continuing the quest into the night, suggesting dedication.
Still looking for something in the night
The search remains active even when it seems late.
I know I'm headed for somewhere
Awareness of heading towards an uncertain destination.
We all dream about somewhere, baby
Shared human desire for a better, brighter life somewhere.
We all want to go where life is bright
The aspiration to live where life is vibrant and fulfilling.
You don't want to end up nowhere, but you might
A caution against ending up in a place without purpose.
And I knew since I was just little
Reiteration of the impact of life's challenges on expectations.
The sharp edges of the world will whittle
Life shapes and refines expectations into something different.
Your expectations into something else
Recognition that tough experiences lead to transformed expectations.
And I know beyond the tough titty
A resilient spirit that believes in finding warmth and humanity even in difficult situations.
Somewhere there's a heart in the city
A belief that even in a tough city, there is a compassionate heart somewhere.
And I'm out here to find it and the soulful smile behind it
The search is not just for material things but for genuine human connections.
I'm still looking for something
The persistent quest for something continues.
I'm out here under the neon, baby
Continuing the search under the neon lights, suggesting an urban setting.
Still looking for something in the night
The quest persists into the night, emphasizing dedication.
I don't mind giving up something
Acceptance that giving up something may be part of the journey.
You don't get something for nothing, baby
Reiteration that rewards often require effort; love is worth fighting for.
You don't give up on love without a fight
Expressing the determination to fight for love.
If I don't find it this time, it's alright
If the search is unsuccessful, finding freedom alone is an acceptable outcome.
Gonna keep my options open, even though I'm hoping
Maintaining flexibility in choices while still holding onto hope.
For something I can hold up to the light
Hoping for something tangible and meaningful that can be examined closely.
Don't know that I'll find it, or the soulful smile behind it
Uncertainty about finding the desired thing or the genuine smile behind it.
If all I find is freedom, it's alright
If all that is found is freedom, it is considered an acceptable outcome.
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