Sunset
Bud Powell; J.J. Johnson; Sonny Stitt Lyrics
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Selling something, some big idea
I know I've seen that vacant stare
Selling sunsets for somebody else
You find yourself asking yourself
What is any of it worth
You find yourself looking up at night
From the bottom of the earth
No, can this world not afford to sleep anymore?
No, did your sheep start jumping?
They grow out their teeth
Did they need a little something more than this?
The taste of trouble on your lips
'Cause now they're biting at your thoughts
You tell yourself just to turn away
But you know you've already lost
The smell of rain when you saw a way
Could never be paid in full
You try in vain to account for this mess
And everything that you stole
(Oh)
No, can this world not afford to sleep anymore? (Oh)
No, did your sheep start jumping?
They grow out their teeth
Did they need a little something more than this?
'Cause now they're biting at your feet
They got you running from this place
Now they're breathing down your neck
Your eyes look lonely in your face
I see you looking just out of frame
What is it pulling you there?
'Cause things can never stay the same
So what is keeping you here?
No, can this world not afford to sleep anymore? (Oh)
No, did your sheep start jumping?
They grow out their teeth
They need a little something now
Every time you think, well, they'll be biting at your thoughts
And every time you blink, well, you'll be so damn far
But you are more than this
I know I've seen your face somewhere
The lyrics of Sunset by Bud Powell, J.J. Johnson, Sonny Stitt touch on themes of disillusionment and questioning the value of one's own existence. The opening lines suggest that the singer has seen the person they are addressing before, trying to sell something or an idea with a vacant stare. The line "selling sunsets for somebody else" implies that this person is going through the motions of life without truly experiencing it, living for someone else's dreams rather than their own. The second verse talks about the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of futility, questioning the purpose of it all. The lines "you try in vain to account for this mess and everything that you stole" suggest a feeling of guilt and regret, possibly for not living one's own life to the fullest. The chorus asks if the world can't afford to sleep anymore and suggests that the sheep (people) need something more than what they currently have, leading them to bite at thoughts and chase after something elusive.
The final verse talks about the person being chased by their own thoughts and feeling lost in their own existence. The line "your eyes look lonely in your face" indicates a sense of isolation and disconnection from others. The singer acknowledges that they see the person looking "just out of frame," wanting something more but feeling stuck where they are. The final lines of the song suggest that the person is more than what they have become, leaving room for hope and a possibility of change.
Overall, Sunset is a poignant reflection on the human condition and the desire for something more in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I know I've seen your face somewhere
I have a familiar feeling seeing your face but I can't recall where
Selling something, some big idea
You are persuading someone to believe in a significant concept
I know I've seen that vacant stare
I recognize that vacant expression in your eyes
Selling sunsets for somebody else
You are promoting the beauty of the sunset on behalf of another entity
You find yourself asking yourself
You are questioning yourself
What is any of it worth
You wonder if anything has any value or meaning
You find yourself looking up at night
You gaze up at the sky during the night-time
From the bottom of the earth
You look up at the sky while feeling small and insignificant
No, can this world not afford to sleep anymore?
Is the world too restless to take a break?
No, did your sheep start jumping?
Are you feeling restless and unable to sleep?
They grow out their teeth
They are starting to bite
Did they need a little something more than this?
Are they craving for something more meaningful?
The taste of trouble on your lips
You are starting to experience problems and difficulties
'Cause now they're biting at your thoughts
Your troubles are starting to consume your mind and thoughts
You tell yourself just to turn away
You try to distract yourself from your troubles
But you know you've already lost
You realize that your troubles have already taken a toll on you
The smell of rain when you saw a way
You remember the feeling of hope that you had when you saw a solution
Could never be paid in full
That hope can never be fully regained
You try in vain to account for this mess
You attempt to make sense of your confusing situation, but fail
And everything that you stole
You realize that you have taken more than you were entitled to
They got you running from this place
Your problems are making you want to escape from where you are
Now they're breathing down your neck
Your problems are getting closer and closer to you
Your eyes look lonely in your face
Your eyes show that you're feeling alone
I see you looking just out of frame
I notice that your eyes are looking slightly off to the side
What is it pulling you there?
What is enticing you to look in that direction?
'Cause things can never stay the same
The world is constantly changing and evolving
So what is keeping you here?
What is making you stay in this situation?
They need a little something now
Something is missing and they are in need of it
Every time you think, well, they'll be biting at your thoughts
Every time you try to think, your problems start to invade your thoughts
And every time you blink, well, you'll be so damn far
Whenever you blink, you feel like you are moving further away from your goals
But you are more than this
You are more significant and valuable than your current situation may suggest
Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Jack Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brother Caleb
The solo is out Of this world. He really poured his soul into it. A pure jazz bird of paradise