The song "On With You" by John Hiatt tells a story about a relationship that has endured for twenty years and is still going strong. The lyrics depict the struggle and resilience of love, highlighting the challenges faced by the narrator and their ultimate realization of their deep love for their partner. The song opens with the belief that despite the passage of time, the ends of their lives might never align or meet, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of love. However, the narrator acknowledges that even when they were emotionally numb, their partner saw something in them that reminded them of the person they were hiding. This implies that their partner recognized their true self even when they couldn't see it themselves, and this recognition helped the narrator find themselves again. As the song progresses, the narrator expresses their desire to continue their journey with their partner, embracing both the joys and pains of life together. They see something unique and genuine in their partner's eyes, something rare and true, which strengthens their commitment to wanting to move forward together. The chorus reinforces this longing for continuity, as the narrator expresses their deep love and desire to continue on this path with their partner. The lyrics suggest that the relationship has marked a turning point in their life, as walls begin to crumble, and they emerge from darkness with the help of their partner's presence. The bridge of the song compares their relationship to living in a dream or waking up from a nightmare, realizing that they are not alone. It symbolizes the solace and comfort the narrator finds in their partner's companionship, as they conquer their fears and uncertainties. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the narrator's strong desire to continue their journey with their partner. They state that they just want to go on, indicating their unwavering commitment and love for their significant other. Overall, "On With You" is a love song that explores the enduring nature of a relationship, celebrating the deep connection and resilience that love can bring. It showcases the transformative power of love, as the narrator discovers themselves and finds comfort in their partner's presence.
