The song "I Can't Wait" by John Hiatt portrays a sense of longing and desperation for a loved one. The lyrics depict the protagonist's feelings of isolation and despair while being separated from their partner. The opening lines, "Tonight I'm howling at a foreign moon, Might as well be a junkie's spoon," suggest a sense of frustration and emptiness. The foreign moon symbolizes the distance between the protagonist and their loved one, while the reference to a junkie's spoon emphasizes a feeling of addiction and dependency on their presence. The lyrics continue to express the passage of time without their partner, stating "It's been forty days and forty nights, Darling since I held you tight." The use of the phrase "forty days and forty nights" alludes to a significant period of time, emphasizing the protagonist's longing for their partner's embrace. The protagonist compares their emotional state to walking through a desert of dreams, wanting to escape the pain before they reach a breaking point. This mention of dreams suggests that their mind is consumed by thoughts of their loved one. The chorus repeats the sentiment of the song, expressing the protagonist's inability to wait any longer for their partner by their side. The lyrics imply that the distance and lack of understanding in their relationship have taken a toll on their patience and emotional well-being. In the second verse, the protagonist expresses their exhaustion and loneliness, highlighting their desire for companionship. They mention talking to walls in their hotel room, signifying the emptiness and frustration they feel while being away from their loved one. The line "Around the world in a sonic boom" indicates the fast-paced nature of the protagonist's lifestyle, possibly as a musician or performer. Despite the excitement and travel, they feel unfulfilled without their partner's presence. The bridge of the song expresses the protagonist's yearning for their hometown and the familiar comfort it brings. They emphasize their longing for the simple joys, such as seeing children playing, and express their willingness to sacrifice anything to be back in their partner's arms. The chorus is repeated to reinforce the idea that the protagonist's longing and impatience have reached their breaking point. They can no longer bear the distance and lack of understanding in their relationship. Overall, "I Can't Wait" by John Hiatt conveys a heartfelt plea for the return of a loved one. The lyrics evoke a strong emotional connection, portraying the pain of separation and the longing for companionship.
