Waiting
Hazel O 'Connor Lyrics
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I go down the left side instead of the right
I'm suffocating and I'm having to fight
To keep myself moving out the crowd
Who throw side long, but never turn round
Armies of people moved quietly on
So long resigned to become an d be gone, be gone
Waiting, waiting for something to come
Waiting, waiting with nowhere to run
Waiting, waiting is this the sum total of my life?
I'm blown by the day winds of fluorescent light
No chance to think now my time is in sight
No hiding quickly behind printed papers
No way of escaping, Not looking much safer?
Armies of people moved quietly on
So long resigned to become and be gone be gone
Waiting, waiting for something to come
Waiting, waiting with nowhere to run
Waiting, waiting is this the sum total of my life?
Gotta keep moving outside of the crowd
If I'm not careful they'll dragging me down
The song "Waiting" by Hazel O'Connor is a poignant and introspective commentary on the struggles of life. The lyrics suggest a feeling of being trapped in a never-ending cycle, unable to move forward and feeling suffocated by the crowds of people around the singer. The songwriter, perhaps feeling lost and disillusioned, poses the rhetorical question of whether life is simply an endless cycle of waiting.
The first verses detail the singer's frustration with the people around her: "I go down the left side instead of the right / I'm suffocating and I'm having to fight / To keep myself moving out the crowd / Who throw sidelong glances, but never turn around." The people in the crowd seem resigned to their fate, but the singer is determined not to give up. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that this determination may not be enough. The singer's desperation grows as she feels blown around by the "day winds of fluorescent light," unable to find a place to hide or catch her breath.
The chorus repeats the word "waiting," a mantra that seems to be all-encompassing. The singer seems to be waiting for something to come, waiting for a chance to escape the crowds that surround her, waiting for something to change. The repetition underscores the feeling of being stuck in a rut, unable to move forward. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer declaring that she must keep moving outside of the crowd or risk being dragged down.
Line by Line Meaning
I go down the left side instead of the right
I choose to take a different path from what is expected.
I'm suffocating and I'm having to fight
I feel overwhelmed and need to struggle to keep going.
To keep myself moving out the crowd
I need to keep moving forward, away from the masses.
Who throw side long, but never turn round
People may judge or criticize me, but do not bother to look at themselves.
Armies of people moved quietly on
Masses of people go about their mundane routines without questioning.
So long resigned to become and be gone, be gone
People accept their fate of becoming nothing and fading away.
Waiting, waiting for something to come
I feel stuck and anticipate something better to happen.
Waiting, waiting with nowhere to run
I am trapped and have no escape options.
Waiting, waiting is this the sum total of my life?
I question whether my life is just an endless waiting game.
I'm blown by the day winds of fluorescent light
I am consumed by the harsh realities of modern life.
No chance to think now my time is in sight
I am so busy, I cannot find the time to think about important matters.
No hiding quickly behind printed papers
I cannot distract myself with work or other menial tasks.
No way of escaping, Not looking much safer?
I cannot escape my problems and wonder whether I am in danger.
Gotta keep moving outside of the crowd
I must continue to follow my own path and avoid being dragged down by others.
If I'm not careful they'll dragging me down
If I am not vigilant, others will bring me down to their level.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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