The song "Before I Sleep" by Joy Williams delves into themes of perseverance, longing for freedom, and the journey towards self-discovery. The lyrics paint a picture of a person haunted by their past, represented by ghosts whispering and a feather turning white. The cold chill in their bones symbolizes the pain and burden they carry, yearning for relief. The protagonist wishes for the ache to be taken away so they can be "washed in the wilderness," suggesting a desire to be cleansed and rejuvenated. They seek a sense of solace in nature, where they can find healing and freedom. The lines "carry my body 'cross the frozen ground / while the moon burns bright and the fire fades out" depicts the struggle of pushing forward despite the odds. It portrays a determination to keep going, even when faced with adversity. The frozen ground and fading fire symbolize the harshness of the journey and the loss of warmth and comfort. The repeated phrase "I got miles and miles to go before I sleep" echoes the famous lines from Robert Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." It signifies that the protagonist still has a long way to go before finding rest, peace, and fulfillment. They yearn to feel something, to be free, and to experience a sense of release from their burdens. The wind blowing and covering tracks signifies the inability to go back to the way things were before, acknowledging that there is no turning back. The stumbling represents the difficult path the protagonist is on, where they face challenges and continue to make mistakes. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the journey is not solely physical but also emotional and spiritual. The protagonist mentions crawling before walking and running, indicating a process of starting from the bottom and gradually finding the strength to move forward. The lyrics suggest that until the darkness recedes and winter loses its grip, the protagonist must keep pressing on. The repeated line "I've got miles and miles to go before I sleep" reinforces the idea that they have not reached their destination yet. It is only after they have traveled these metaphorical miles that they can truly experience emotions, dreams, freedom, and ultimately find rest. Overall, "Before I Sleep" explores the struggles of an individual battling their past, seeking freedom, and embarking on a transformative journey towards self-fulfillment.
