"In the Waking Hours" by Scott Kelly explores themes of love, loss, and longing. The narrator is bleeding mystery, lost and searching for their love. They are climbing, always seeking, but feeling a sense of emptiness and uncertainty about the future. The lyrics suggest a sense of isolation and hurt, with references to being left head on the rocks and feeling the weight of a broken sun. Despite this pain, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of a light in the narrator's skull, bringing a sense of clarity and cleansing. The song captures the raw emotions and struggles of navigating through difficult times, trying to make sense of past wounds and find a way forward. The haunting melody and poetic lyrics convey a sense of yearning and vulnerability, creating a powerful and evocative experience for the listener.