Al Jarreau：Meaning of (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay Songmeaning

The song "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was originally written and performed by Otis Redding in 1967, but you mentioned Al Jarreau. It's important to note that Al Jarreau covered the song in his own style but kept the same lyrics. The lyrics describe a person who is sitting by the dock of a bay, watching ships come and go, and feeling a sense of idleness and melancholy. The meaning behind the song is open to interpretation, but the central theme revolves around a feeling of aimlessness, loneliness, and longing. The narrator seems to be in a state of emotional and mental emptiness. They left their home in Georgia and went to the Frisco Bay (San Francisco) with no clear purpose or direction in life. They express a sense of despair and a feeling of being stuck, with nothing significant happening in their life. The repeated phrase of "Sittin' on the dock of the bay, wastin' time" reflects the narrator's resignation and acceptance of their current situation. They watch time pass by, but nothing seems to change. The mention of loneliness and resting one's bones suggests feelings of isolation and weariness. The lyric "I can't do what ten people tell me to do" implies a rebellious or independent spirit, indicating a rejection of societal norms or expectations. The narrator chooses to remain true to themselves despite external pressures. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of searching for a home or a place to belong. The narrator mentions traveling 2000 miles to make the dock their home, suggesting a desperate attempt to find solace or a sense of rootedness in a specific location. However, even in this new place, they are still consumed by their own internal struggles. Overall, "Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay" captures themes of hopelessness, longing, and the passage of time. It represents a universal experience of feeling lost, disconnected, and searching for meaning in life.