"Waitin' For The Heartache" by Jimmy Barnes is a song about anticipating and waiting for heartbreak that never comes. The lyrics convey a sense of resilience and strength in the face of a difficult relationship. The song begins by describing the hardened heart of the person the narrator is in a relationship with. This person believes that the narrator is the cause of their problems and holds all the power in the relationship. However, the narrator knows that loneliness is not a foreign feeling and is confident that they will be able to move on. The chorus expresses the anticipation of heartache and tears, but despite waiting for them to come, they never arrive. This leaves the narrator feeling wide awake but numb, lying in a metaphorical bed of thorns. The mention of headlights screaming on the walls like flames creates a sense of impending danger or turmoil. The second verse reveals the narrator's initial belief that they would not be able to live without the person they are in a relationship with. However, as life goes on, things change, and the narrator realizes that they are not the only one capable of survival and moving forward. The bridge suggests that the narrator thought they were headed for a broken heart, but their heart can fall without completely breaking. They find themselves lying in the dark, possibly in a state of uncertainty. The final chorus repeats the anticipation of heartache, but once again, it never comes. The narrator is not reaching out for their partner in the night, indicating a sense of detachment. However, something inside them reassures them that it's alright. The song ends by emphasizing that the heartache never comes. Overall, "Waitin' For The Heartache" portrays a story of someone waiting for their relationship to crumble, but ultimately finding resilience, strength, and an unexpected absence of heartache. It suggests that sometimes, even in difficult situations, things may not turn out as expected.
