When the Night Was Young
Dreams and Beliefs Under Delta Skies
Lyrics
We headed straight south in a sundown light
Traveling south in the evening glow, possibly symbolizing a journey.
On Highway 61 through the delta night
Driving on Highway 61 through the night in the Mississippi Delta region.
We shared the back roads with card sharks and grifters
Sharing the road with gamblers, con artists, and religious preachers.
Tent show evangelists and Luke the Drifter
Referencing various characters, including Luke the Drifter, a persona used by Hank Williams.
What is lost? What is missing?
Pondering what has been lost or is missing.
What's been gone way too long?
Questioning what has been absent for an extended period.
We had dreams when the night was young
Recalling dreams from a youthful, optimistic time.
We were believers when the night was young
Reflecting on a time when belief in positive change was strong.
We could change the world stop the war
Expressing a desire to change the world and end wars.
Never seen nothing like this before
Highlighting a sense of novelty and astonishment in the past.
But that was back when the night was young
Referencing the idealistic past when the night was young.
The sign reads, "God Bless America, guns and ammo"
Observing a sign emphasizing patriotism, guns, and ammunition.
I'm not sure that's what He means
Questioning if the displayed values align with the true meaning of God's blessing.
The sign readsm "Repent the end is near"
Noting a warning sign about the impending end, questioning its relevance.
I'm not sure that's what we need
Expressing uncertainty about the necessity of repentance.
Get your heart beating in the right direction
Encouraging a positive emotional shift or change.
That's when you make a real connection
Emphasizing the importance of making genuine connections.
We had dreams when the night was young
Reiterating the recollection of dreams and beliefs from the past.
We were believers when the night was young
Highlighting a time when belief in positive change was strong.
We could change the world stop the war
Expressing a desire to change the world and stop wars.
Never seen nothing like this before
Reiterating a sense of novelty and amazement in the past.
But that was back when the night was young
Referencing the idealistic past when the night was young.
(Say) Now Andy Warhol's in the hotel lobby
Introducing the artist Andy Warhol in a hotel lobby, waiting for inspiration.
He's waiting for the late night muse
Describing Warhol's anticipation for creative inspiration during the late hours.
But she won't be back before morning
Noting the absence of the muse, who is expected to return in the morning.
She's gone downtown to hear some Blues (to hear some Blue)
Indicating the muse's visit to hear blues music downtown.
Like the sun rising out of the sea
Using the sunrise as a metaphor for embracing life's mysteries.
It's how you embrace the mystery
Encouraging a positive and open approach to the unknown.
We had dreams when the night was young
Reiterating the recollection of dreams and beliefs from the past.
We were believers when the night was young
Highlighting a time when belief in positive change was strong.
We could change the world stop the war
Expressing a desire to change the world and stop wars.
Never seen nothing like this before
Reiterating a sense of novelty and amazement in the past.
But that was way back when the night was
Referring to the distant past when the night was young.
We had dreams when the night was young
Recalling dreams and beliefs from a youthful, optimistic time.
And we were believers when the night was young
Reflecting on a time when belief in positive change was strong.
We could change the world stop the war
Expressing a desire to change the world and end wars.
Never seen nothing like this before
Reiterating a sense of novelty and amazement in the past.
But that was way back when the night was young
Referring to the distant past when the night was young.
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