Long Way from, Long Time Since
Reckoning with Silence: A Son's Journey to Understanding
Lyrics
Dear Father, how long have you gone
Expressing the absence of communication with the father and questioning the duration of his absence.
Without speaking to your first-born son?
Highlighting the lack of communication between the father and his first-born son.
(He's well, she's fine)
Assuring the well-being of unspecified individuals (he and she) but maintaining emotional distance.
I'm better still
Expressing personal improvement despite the father's absence.
Still looking good
Emphasizing the positive appearance and keeping promises made in the past.
On everything I said I would
Continuing to fulfill commitments and maintain a positive self-image.
(He's well, she's fine)
Reiterating the well-being of unspecified individuals with emotional detachment.
Deafened by the silent sound
Describing a sense of deafness caused by the silence of the father, implying a lack of communication.
The walls you built not falling down
Noting that the walls the father built have not crumbled, possibly symbolizing emotional barriers.
(He's well, she's fine)
Repeating the assurance of well-being but with a distant emotional tone.
Close your eyes
Instructing the father to close his eyes, suggesting a metaphorical or literal detachment from reality.
Don't open them until the morning sunshine
Advising the father not to open his eyes until the morning sunshine, possibly symbolizing a new beginning or hope.
I'll be waiting
Expressing a commitment to wait for the father, indicating a sense of patience and understanding.
Shave the dead weight from your face
Suggesting a symbolic act of removing burdens or negativity from one's life.
To find a new life to take it's place
Encouraging the father to find a new purpose or direction in life, replacing the metaphorical "dead weight."
(Go now, move on)
Repeating the encouragement to move on, possibly referencing the need for personal growth.
Dad, I know how hard it's been
Acknowledging the father's struggles and empathizing with the difficulty of being comfortable in one's own skin.
To feel like you inside your skin
Repeating the encouragement to move on, emphasizing the understanding of the father's internal challenges.
(Go now, move on)
Leaving this line blank indicates a pause or a moment of reflection in the lyrics.
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