The song "One Of Them Damn Days" by John Hiatt tells the story of a protagonist who is struggling with addiction, specifically alcoholism, and the effects it has on their relationships and perception of reality. The lyrics indicate that the protagonist is stuck in a cycle of confusion and despair. The mention of Monday or Tuesday, or "one of them damn days," portrays a feeling of lost track of time and a blurred sense of reality. The unrelenting haze symbolizes the protagonist's mental and emotional state. The mention of baby refers to a loved one or an important person in the protagonist's life. They believe they see their baby, perhaps an ex-partner or someone they still care about, on the other side of town. This creates a sense of longing and yearning for that person's presence. The protagonist's alcoholism is evident as they reach for their cup and try to stir their life around. They rely on drinking to cope with their emotions and try to make amends. However, their addiction becomes overpowering, leading them to drink the whole rest of the day, causing the cycle to continue. The song hints at the destructive nature of alcoholism, with the protagonist described as drunk and mean. It suggests that the protagonist's actions have negatively impacted their relationships, particularly with their baby. The wrecking ball metaphor describes how their addiction has disrupted the lives of those they are connected to. The song also highlights the protagonist's struggle to control their addiction. They acknowledge that even though they want to make amends and reach out to their baby, taking a drink becomes too much for them to handle. This illustrates the all-consuming power of their addiction, preventing them from improving their circumstances. The recurring theme of time passing and nothing changing reflects the protagonist's feelings of hopelessness and resignation. The flickering black and white image with no sound signifies an elusive and distant memory, further emphasizing the protagonist's disconnect from reality. Overall, "One Of Them Damn Days" paints a picture of a person trapped in the grip of addiction, desperately trying to hold onto a semblance of their former life and relationships, but ultimately succumbing to their destructive habits. The song serves as a reflection on the consequences of addiction and the internal struggle faced by the protagonist.
