The song "Only The Song Survives" by John Hiatt is a narrative song that tells a story filled with vivid imagery and mysterious events. The lyrics depict a series of encounters and conversations between the narrator and a woman, who seems to be recounting events from their past. In the first verse, the narrator admits to waking the woman up in the middle of the night multiple times. They ask her questions about her identity, where she lives, and how she perceives things. It seems like the narrator is trying to establish a connection or regain lost memories. The woman responds by sharing a story about a reckless incident involving a Camaro car and alcohol, where they were pushed to the brink of death. This event becomes a metaphor for the thin line between life and fear. The chorus emphasizes the changing faces and names of people involved, hinting at the shifting nature of memories and identities. The song suggests that only the song itself, with its ability to evoke emotions and memories, survives the test of time. The woman goes on to mention a patch being placed on the narrator's eye, comparing them to the fictional character Dread Pirate Roberts. She also refers to her wedding ring being removed, causing the narrator to cry. This exchange baffles the narrator, as they claim to have never been married and discover a diamond hidden under their eyelids, raising questions about their own history and identity. In the final verse, the narrator wakes up sweating and finds themselves back in the present. They are surrounded by their children and wife, implying a sense of security and stability. The reference to post-traumatic stress and a bump on the head suggests that the events described earlier may have been a dream, or perhaps a reflection of past experiences that still haunt the narrator. Overall, "Only The Song Survives" explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of music to preserve and evoke emotions. The song leaves room for interpretation, as the true nature of the encounters and the connection between the narrator and the woman remain open-ended.
