"Slow Turning" by John Hiatt is a song about personal growth, self-discovery, and the passage of time. The lyrics describe the journey of the narrator from his childhood to adulthood and the lessons he learns along the way. The song begins by reflecting on the innocence of childhood. The narrator believed that everything would simply come to him without any effort. However, he soon realizes that life doesn't work that way. He couldn't identify what truly belonged to him, so it didn't matter to him anyway. His only passion was playing an old guitar and expressing himself through music. The narrator then reflects on his childhood home, which he thought was haunted. However, nobody paid attention to his fears or concerns. He also experienced disappointment and unfulfilled desires, which he couldn't comprehend as a child. But as he grew older, he began to understand that life doesn't always give you what you want, but rather what you need. The chorus highlights the process of personal growth and transformation. It's a slow and gradual journey that happens from the inside out. Despite the difficulties encountered, there is still hope and the possibility of change. The phrase "Not fade away" suggests that the narrator will not let life pass him by without making the most of it. In the next verse, the narrator finds himself in his car, listening to the radio and getting frustrated with his children. He realizes that even though he may have thought he had achieved a great distance in life, he's still stuck in a small town, symbolized by not leaving the parking lot. It becomes evident that time is fleeting, and the narrator acknowledges the certainty of death. He also acknowledges that one can choose to live with or without love, but there is no solution or remedy to the inevitability of death. Overall, "Slow Turning" explores themes of self-realization, acceptance of one's limitations, the passing of time, and the necessity of love and embracing life's challenges. The song encourages listeners to appreciate the slow process of personal growth and to make the most of the time they have.
