Twilight
Garth Hudson; Rick Danko Lyrics
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Hot in summer night
We lay in the tall grass
'Til the early mornin' light
If I had my way
I'd never get the urge to roam
But a young man serves his country
Don't send me no sweet salutation
Or city silver near and far away
Don't leave me all alone here in the twilight
You know twilight is the loneliest time of day
Well, I never gave it a second thought
It never crossed my mind
What's right, what's not
I ain't the judgin' kind
I can take the darkness
Oh, storms flying in the skies
But we all got certain trials
Keep 'em burnin' up inside
Don't put me in a frame upon the mantel
For memories roll dusty, old and gray
Don't leave me alone in the twilight
'Cause twilight is the loneliest time of day
Don't leave me all alone here in the twilight
'Cause twilight is the loneliest time of day
Yes, it is
Upon analyzing the lyrics of "Twilight," it appears that the song portrays a bittersweet story of two lovers who are spending an intimate summer night laying in the tall grass. The singer seems to be expressing his gratitude for the moment while also acknowledging the fleetingness of it all. The lyrics also hint at the uncertainty of the future as the singer mentions serving and guarding, potentially alluding to the military. The chorus of the song emphasizes the singer's longing for connection and companionship while also recognizing that twilight, a metaphor for this particular point in time, can be a lonely period.
The opening verse sets the scene with the singer and his lover laying in the tall grass on a hot summer night. The phrase "wild wood" could imply that the couple is surrounded by nature, adding to the romantic and peaceful atmosphere. The second verse follows with the singer expressing his desire to stay in one place, but acknowledging the obligations of both young and old men. The chorus that follows is the most memorable part of the song, and the repetition of the phrase "Don't leave me all alone here in the twilight" emphasizes the singer's desperation for companionship.
The third verse reflects back on the singer's life choices, highlighting his lack of judgment towards others. The fourth and final verse circles back to the chorus, emphasizing the singer's fear of loneliness and his desire to not be forgotten or left behind. Throughout the song, there is a sense of nostalgia and introspection, perfectly encapsulating the feelings associated with a beautiful summer evening.
Line by Line Meaning
Over by the wild wood
We were lying in the grass, close to the woods.
Hot in summer night
It was really warm that night.
We lay in the tall grass
We were resting in tall grass.
'Til the early mornin' light
We stayed there until the crack of dawn.
If I had my way
One thing that I wish is,
I'd never get the urge to roam
I would never feel like I have to leave.
But a young man serves his country
A man should serve his country while he's young.
And an old man guards the home
An old man should take care of the home.
Don't send me no sweet salutation
Please don't send me flattering letters.
Or city silver near and far away
And don't send me expensive gifts from the city or far away.
Don't leave me all alone here in the twilight
Don't abandon me during this lonely time of day.
You know twilight is the loneliest time of day
It gets really lonely during twilight.
Well, I never gave it a second thought
I never really considered it before.
It never crossed my mind
I never even thought about it.
What's right, what's not
I'm not one to judge what is right or wrong.
I ain't the judgin' kind
That's just not who I am.
I can take the darkness
I can handle being in the dark.
Oh, storms flying in the skies
Even when there are storms brewing in the sky.
But we all got certain trials
However, we all have our own struggles.
Keep 'em burnin' up inside
And they can really take a toll on us.
Don't put me in a frame upon the mantel
Please don't memorialize me with a photo on the mantel.
For memories roll dusty, old and gray
Memories can become faded and musty as time goes on.
Don't leave me alone in the twilight
Don't abandon me during this lonely time of day.
'Cause twilight is the loneliest time of day
It can be really lonely during twilight.
Don't leave me all alone here in the twilight
Don't abandon me during this lonely time of day.
'Cause twilight is the loneliest time of day
It can be really lonely during twilight.
Yes, it is
That's a fact.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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