The song "When Daylight Goes to Town" by UFO tells a story of nostalgia and longing for a past love. The lyrics depict the singer reminiscing about a person who used to be like them, a beautiful sight that could bring excitement or provide calmness. However, the referenced person is dead, and sometimes the singer forgets this unfortunate reality. The opening lines suggest that the singer was born with a restless spirit, always on the move. The mention of the rolling train and wheels turning symbolizes the constant motion and journey of life. But now, there is a sense of emptiness and nothingness left. The lyrics mention a hotel room that resembles the wild west, with strangers moving underground, perhaps referring to a feeling of being lost and disconnected from the familiar. However, the singer finds solace in a photograph of the person they miss, which lifts their spirits when they are down. The verses also mention a pillow fight, symbolizing playful moments shared with the person in the past. Despite the happy memories, there is an underlying sadness as the singer watches the daylight fade away and sees nothing left around them. Towards the end, the lyrics mention the desire to return home and find comfort with two drinks in hand. The phrase "watch the daylight turn around" conveys the cyclical nature of life, where the daylight comes and goes, symbolizing the passing of time. Overall, the song portrays a bittersweet longing for a love or connection that is no longer present, and the singer's struggle to come to terms with the passage of time and the inevitable fading away of memories and moments.
