Her studio album My Better Self finds Dar at an unequivocally brazen crossroads. Reflecting on American politics, the disillusionment and apathy of youth, and the female experience, Dar makes no apology for her outspoken beliefs.
Her 2008 album, entitled Promised Land. indieduck.com notes that "Williams turns over relationships in all their misunderstood, misconnected glory, and embraces religion, gender and other complications in her very wise songs. Promised Land draws in themes of nature, as well, and on the whole is a pretty piece of work that ends up feeling upbeat despite itself."
Her most recent album, 2012's In The Time Of The Gods, has a theme of Greek mythology running through it. The You Will Ride With Me Tonight Songfacts reports that Williams got the idea whilst driving on an isolated highway, during a trip from New York to Ontario.
You Rise and Meet the Day
Dar Williams Lyrics
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Flaunting our love like a dance step mastered, turning from left to right
But after all the colored lights are gone
Time will leave the ashes and the dawn
You rise and meet the day
I'm watching you go, it's like spying on hope ever onward with more to burn
Giving your hands and your heart to the weave of the world, though it fights each turn
That's how I know you won't surrender me
You rise and meet the day
It's all I need, it's all I need to know, it's all I need to know
And I love you all the time
I had always feared that some gloomy ingratitude would seize me
But you have held the dream like every morning finds
A way to hang the sun up in the sky
And now I think I have it too
The greatest part I learned from you
You rise and meet the day
And I can see kids, maybe yours, maybe not, oh oh oh,
I can hear what they'll say
Laughing at pictures with the old-fashioned hats
And the clothes that we're wearing today
And they will know the true and humble power
Of love that made it through the darkest hour
You rise and meet the day
It's all I need, it's all I need to know, it's all I need to know
The song "You Rise And Meet The Day" by Dar Williams is a tribute to the enduring power of love and hope. The lyrics describe a couple who choose to face life's challenges with optimism, determination, and grace. Williams begins the song by acknowledging that life can be difficult and that even the strongest relationships can falter under the weight of hardship. She then offers an alternative vision: one in which love is a flame that can never be extinguished, no matter how dark the night.
The first verse encourages the listener to imagine a world where love is cherished and celebrated. Williams uses the playful imagery of "walking on petals and light" to suggest a utopian vision of love. However, she quickly acknowledges that such moments are fleeting and that life is full of trials and tribulations. It is in these moments that we need to have the strength to "rise and meet the day" with courage and resilience.
In the second verse, Williams pays tribute to her partner's strength and commitment. She says that she has always been afraid of losing hope but that her partner's unwavering belief in the power of love has inspired her to face whatever challenges come their way. Williams also acknowledges that love is not always easy but that it is worth the struggle.
The final verse is perhaps the most poignant, as Williams imagines a future where their love has endured and been passed down to future generations. She imagines children looking back at their parents' photographs and laughing at their old-fashioned clothes, but feeling a sense of awe at the "true and humble power" of their love. It is a reminder that love is not just a fleeting feeling, but a force that can shape lives for generations to come.
Line by Line Meaning
We could pretend that we're walking on petals and light, golden light
We could act as if we're treading on something light and delicate, like flower petals or golden light.
Flaunting our love like a dance step mastered, turning from left to right
We would proudly display our love for each other, like perfectly executing dance moves by turning from side to side.
But after all the colored lights are gone
Time will leave the ashes and the dawn
You rise and meet the day
But when the colorful lights fade away, time will still pass and leave behind the remnants of a new day, and you will embrace it and face it as it comes.
I'm watching you go, it's like spying on hope ever onward with more to burn
Giving your hands and your heart to the weave of the world, though it fights each turn
But you do not give up so easily
That's how I know you won't surrender me
You rise and meet the day
It's all I need, it's all I need to know, it's all I need to know
I'm observing you leave, reminiscent of hope always progressing with more challenges ahead. Despite interference, you continue to cooperate with the world, steadfast and persistent, and I have no doubt that you'll always be there for me, ready to tackle each day, which is all I really need to know.
And I love you all the time
I had always feared that some gloomy ingratitude would seize me
But you have held the dream like every morning finds
A way to hang the sun up in the sky
And now I think I have it too
The greatest part I learned from you
You rise and meet the day
I love you unconditionally. I used to worry that I'd become unappreciative and pessimistic, but you never let go of your aspirations, consistently greeting each morning with the same enduring passion, and I believe I can be as resilient as I've learned that from you. Again, you welcome each new day, never giving up.
And I can see kids, maybe yours, maybe not, oh oh oh,
I can hear what they'll say
Laughing at pictures with the old-fashioned hats
And the clothes that we're wearing today
And they will know the true and humble power
Of love that made it through the darkest hour
You rise and meet the day
It's all I need, it's all I need to know, it's all I need to know
I can imagine children, either yours or not, who will be amused by photos of people in quaint hats and trendy clothing. They'll discover the authentic and unpretentious strength inherent in enduring love, which overcame the most challenging moments. And you, faithful and ready to act whenever called, will tackle each new dawn, which is all I need to know, repeated thrice.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAR WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind