"Long Night" by John Hiatt is a song that portrays the struggles and despair faced by individuals during difficult times. The lyrics describe three people, each in their own state of misery. The first person is described as hollering, expressing their distress openly. The second person jumps, implying that they are trying to escape their troubles by any means necessary. The third person writes a letter to their family, expressing their internal turmoil and even confessing a desire to harm others if given the chance. The song also touches upon the feeling of being trapped and seeking solace. The narrator mentions being in the bathroom, looking for a drain, perhaps symbolizing a desperate search for a way out of the emotional pain. They describe feeling scared and looking for any light that can guide them through the darkness of their situation, emphasizing the long and difficult night they are experiencing. The lyrics portray a sense of hopelessness and frustration. The narrator feels as though they are up against various challenges, including personal, societal, and even religious obstacles. They express a feeling of being trapped with nowhere to run or hide. The chorus repeats the idea that everyone is experiencing this fever, this feeling of distress, while relief or a solution is nowhere in sight. There is a plea for the darkest hours, symbolizing the difficult times, to be relieved and for their appetite for relief and resolution to be satisfied. The song concludes with the narrator expressing their frustration and resistance to conforming or engaging in deceitful behavior. They emphasize that it is too late for such actions, implying that sincerity and truth should have been embraced earlier. Overall, "Long Night" by John Hiatt delves into the themes of struggle, despair, and the longing for relief. It highlights the emotional and mental difficulties faced by individuals during challenging times, while also questioning societal norms and the notion of finding solace.
