By Now
Journey of Choices: Richard Shindell's 'By Now' Unveiled
Lyrics
Window open wide
Setting described with an open window.
Blowing through the north
Wind blowing from the north.
No radar gun in sight
No police speed monitoring device in sight.
Moon shines on the asphalt
Moonlight illuminating the road.
Two eyes in the dark
Reference to two eyes in the dark, possibly headlights.
Young doe in the high-beams
Observing a young deer in the path of car headlights.
She don't stand a chance
The deer has little chance of survival.
If she ain't already got there by now
If the deer hasn't reached safety already, it may not survive.
By now, by now, by now
Repetition emphasizing the urgency or inevitability.
Is that you MaryAnn
Addressing someone named MaryAnn.
I almost drove right by you
Almost not recognizing MaryAnn while passing by.
Can I give you a hand
Offering assistance to MaryAnn.
Is there somewhere I can take you
Asking if there's a specific place MaryAnn needs to go.
The road is dark and cold
Describing the road as dark and cold, possibly unsafe.
No place for a young girl
Suggesting it's not a suitable place for a young girl.
Shouldn't you be at home
Questioning MaryAnn's absence from home.
Your Mama's probably missed you by now
Implying MaryAnn's mother is worried or looking for her.
By now, by now, by now
Repetition emphasizing the passing of time.
Put your bags in back
Directing MaryAnn to place her bags in the back of the car.
Don't bother with the seat belt
Advising MaryAnn not to bother with a seat belt.
Take a cigarette
Suggesting MaryAnn takes a cigarette.
What station do you like
Inquiring about MaryAnn's music preference.
How far do you go?
Asking how far MaryAnn is traveling.
What time are you expected
Asking about MaryAnn's expected arrival time.
Did you leave a note
Questioning if MaryAnn left a note about her whereabouts.
Telling where you might be by now
Emphasizing uncertainty about MaryAnn's location.
By now, by now, by now
Repetition emphasizing the urgency or inevitability.
Window open wide
Repetition of the initial setting description.
Blowing through the north woods
Reiteration of the northward blowing wind.
No radar gun in sight
Repetition emphasizing the absence of speed monitoring.
Moon shines on the asphalt
Recurrence of moonlight on the road.
Two eyes in the dark
Repetition of the two eyes in the dark, possibly headlights.
Young doe in the high-beams
Restatement of encountering a young deer in the headlights.
She don't stand a chance
Reiteration that the deer has little chance of survival.
If she ain't already got there by now
Repetition of the urgency for the deer's safety.
By now, by now, by now
Final repetition emphasizing the passing of time.
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