"Waiting for the Sunshine" by Jimmy Nail is a song about a transformation of a boy who was once innocent and carefree, but turns bad due to certain experiences and influences. The lyrics suggest that the boy's life took a dark turn after someone came into his life, possibly a toxic relationship or a negative influence. The phrase "Time was when I was a different boy" indicates that the boy was not always this way and had a more positive outlook on life. The lyrics imply that the boy became involved in illegal or immoral activities, as evidenced by his fingerprints being all over town. It is suggested that he had the potential to be rebellious or cool, but something went wrong, and he was unable to fulfill that potential. The lyrics mention the possibility of being the "boy who gave them hell" or the "king of cool," indicating that he could have been successful and influential, but circumstances prevented him from achieving his full potential. The chorus, "Waiting for the sunshine, waiting for the sun to shine all over me," expresses the boy's longing for a brighter future. He is waiting for a time when things will improve, when he can leave behind his troubled past and find happiness or redemption. The song also touches upon a failed romantic relationship, where love was deemed insufficient and the protagonist was urged to toughen up and take control of his own life. The line "You said 'babe, you've got to be so tough, take a bite of life and don't you say please'" suggests that the person he loved encouraged him to be strong and assertive, leading him further down a destructive path. Overall, "Waiting for the Sunshine" reflects on the journey of a boy who lost his innocence and positivity, possibly due to a toxic relationship or negative influences, and his desire for a brighter future. The song explores themes of transformation, missed opportunities, and the search for redemption.
