The song "Long Way To Night" by Joan Shelley is a beautiful, haunting piece about the longing for connection and the uncertainty of life. The lyrics are filled with imagery of distance and time, conveying the feeling of being separated from someone or something we deeply desire. The opening lines "How lovely I wished and you came / Means everything's right" suggest that the speaker has found what they've been looking for, but there's a sense of hesitation and melancholy that pervades the rest of the song. The chorus, "It's a long, long way to night," serves as a kind of refrain, reminding us that even when things seem to be going well, there's always the looming presence of darkness and unknowns. The speaker wants to hold onto the present moment and the feelings they're experiencing with the other person, but they're acutely aware that it won't last forever. There's a sense of urgency and desperation in the lines "Rip open now, tear up the cobblestones / Take me in the light this time," as if the speaker is pleading to be brought closer to the other person. They know that they're not in control of the situation, but they're willing to do whatever it takes to hold onto the fleeting connection they have. Overall, "Long Way To Night" is a poignant reflection on the fragility of human connection and the fleeting nature of life. The melody is haunting and emotive, perfectly complementing the bittersweet lyrics. It's a song that invites us to sit with our own feelings of longing and uncertainty, and to find solace in the beautiful moments of connection that we're lucky enough to experience.
