Lovely Day
alt-J Lyrics
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When I wake up in the morning light
Sunlight hurts my eyes
Something without warning, love
Plays heavy on my mind
Then I look at you
Then I look at you
Then I look at you
Then I look at you
Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Oh just one look at you
Just one look at you
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be a lovely day
On the night line
For the night line
When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face
When someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way
Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be a lovely day
On the night line
For the night line
On the night line
On the night line
"Lovely Day" by alt-J is about the power of love to bring positivity and hope to someone's daily struggles. The lyrics convey the idea that, no matter how difficult life may seem, just one look at the person you love can make everything feel better. The song speaks about waking up in the morning and feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the day, but then looking at the person you love and feeling a renewed sense of hope and optimism. The use of the phrase "on the night line" echoes this idea, as it implies a journey through the dark, difficult times to a brighter destination.
The song's repetitive structure emphasizes the cyclical nature of these emotions, with the phrase "then I look at you" appearing multiple times throughout. The use of repetition builds momentum and reinforces the idea of how one small act can create a significant shift in someone's mood. The chorus cements the message of the song: "And I know it's gonna be a lovely day," showing that love can make even the toughest days worthwhile.
Overall, "Lovely Day" is a reassuring and uplifting song that highlights the importance of finding joy in everyday life, even when it feels like an uphill battle.
Line by Line Meaning
On the night line
Referencing a trip on a train or bus during the nighttime hours.
When I wake up in the morning light
At the moment of awakening during the day, when the light of the sun begins to shine in through the windowpanes.
Sunlight hurts my eyes
The brightness of the sun causes distress or discomfort to the singer's vision.
Something without warning, love
An unexpected feeling of love or affection for someone; not planned or anticipated.
Plays heavy on my mind
The emotion of love is preoccupying or consuming the artist's thoughts.
Then I look at you
When the singer sees the person they love, the focus of their mind shifts to that individual.
And the world's alright with me
The presence of the person the singer loves makes everything seem good or positive.
Oh just one look at you
Even a brief glance at the individual the artist loves brings them joy or contentment.
And I know it's gonna be a lovely day
Seeing the person the artist loves fills them with hope and optimism for the future.
For the night line
Referencing the same nighttime journey as described in the previous lines.
When the day that lies ahead of me
Looking forward to the events and experiences that will occur during the upcoming day.
Seems impossible to face
The tasks and challenges of the day seem overwhelming or daunting to the artist.
When someone else instead of me
Another person appears to know exactly what to do or how to approach the day's difficulties.
Always seems to know the way
This other person appears confident and capable, while the singer feels unsure of themselves.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Skip Scarborough, William Harrison Withers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ze Fister
This version sounds like you’re being lifted toward a light and every memory you’ve ever had is blasting through your mind as you rise through the air slowly rotating. Then at the end when you reach the top you find the love of your life and you slow dance with them. Then it flashes back and forth between you dancing and the rise to the top over and over again while you’re overcome with emotion until the song ends.
Jason Haun
The song is gorgeous and amazing. The original is sublime, and the remake is on a different level, not necessarily better. But your comment was spot on. Bravo!
Grace Doughton
I've listened to this on repeat ever since I discovered it. Such good vibes, perfect to paint and draw to <3
Adeline Cook
Literally every song they've ever produced is endless-repeat worthy, right?
J
This is still one of the best covers I’ve ever heard in that new creative elements have been combined with the original song to produce a whole new piece of art.
agentM87
Nobody can top the original, but this is a seriously beautiful cover. I'm swooning.
Cinder Punch
agentM87 I don't think the original is something special, just a decent song. This is God damn beautiful, so I'd say it topped the original.
Synestaesia
As much as I love this song, it definitely doesn't top the original.
Cinder Punch
Jeff Matthews I don't see the logic in that answer, since the original doesn't have much going for it. It's just your average 70s pop song with a tiny bit more effort.
Synestaesia
agentM87 The original is far more popular, still played in modern soundtracks to this day. I'm proud of you for forming your own personal opinion about music. The logic of looking for logic when it comes to the art of music and individuals' personal preference is oxymoronic in and of itself.