Up Against the Night
Embracing the Darkness: Mark Erelli's Struggle Up Against the Night
Lyrics
I could join the circus
I contemplate joining the circus as a way to escape.
maybe hop a train
Consider the possibility of hopping on a train for a new start.
go someplace nobody knows me
Thinking about going somewhere unfamiliar where nobody knows me.
But there ain't no point
Realizing there's no purpose as everything seems monotonous.
it all looks the same
Observing that every place appears equally lonely.
Everywhere is equally lonely
Expressing a pervasive sense of loneliness everywhere.
Up against the night
Facing challenging times, represented by "the night."
and it's coming on strong
The difficult period intensifies.
Up against the night
Nights seem prolonged and enduring.
it always lasts too long
Reflecting on the ability to endure and persevere.
And I wonder
Questioning one's capacity to persist.
can I keep holding on?
Contemplating the possibility of holding on.
Up against the night
The struggle continues while awaiting a positive change.
waiting on the dawn
Anticipating the arrival of a new day, a metaphor for hope.
Once I had this crazy dream
Recalling a vivid dream where time seemed limited.
my time was almost up
The dream implies a sense of urgency and mortality.
and I would die before my work was accomplished
Fearing an incomplete life if death were imminent.
Yeah it scared me awake
Being jolted awake by the unsettling dream.
so I woke you up too
Sharing the experience with a loved one.
And we made love
Finding solace in a passionate connection.
like it was my last wish
Expressing love as if it were the last opportunity.
Up against the night
Continuing to face challenging times symbolized by "the night."
and it's coming on strong
The difficulties are becoming more intense.
Up against the night
The prolonged struggle continues.
it always lasts too long
Contemplating the endurance and persistence required.
And I wonder
Questioning the ability to hold on during tough times.
can I keep holding on?
Reflecting on the possibility of enduring.
Up against the night
The struggle persists while anticipating a positive change.
waiting on the dawn
Hopeful for a new beginning represented by the dawn.
Am I only running
Contemplating whether the pursuit is merely a distraction.
to keep from falling apart
Avoiding a personal breakdown by staying in constant motion.
a man could be forgiven for wondering
Recognizing the understandable doubts and uncertainties.
But as long as I am here
Determined to resist the challenges and adversities.
I will rage against the dark
Fighting against the darkness and difficulties.
Hold on, babe, daylight's coming
Encouraging a loved one to hold on as daylight, a metaphor for hope, is approaching.
Up against the night
Facing the relentless challenges represented by "the night."
and it's coming on strong
The difficulties intensify further.
Up against the night
The enduring struggle feels never-ending.
it always lasts too long
Contemplating the ability to persist through tough times.
And I wonder
Questioning the capacity to hold on during challenging moments.
can I keep holding on?
Reflecting on the possibility of enduring and persevering.
Up against the night
The struggle continues while awaiting positive change.
waiting on the dawn
Hopeful for the arrival of a new day, symbolized by the dawn.
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