The Gap
Ida Jenshus Lyrics


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I've cleaned your favorite coffee cup
The one with the Beatles on
I've changed the sheets for when you come home
I've gotten used to sleeping all alone

How many times have I washed the floors
Keeping myself company
While you are out there busy making plans
Are you ever thinking of me?

I'm trying to fill the gap between you and me

Cause when I float into my darkness
You don't know what to do
And when you drift away and you're dreaming
I don't know
How to reach you

There are things we never talk about
Things we only lock away
The wall is up, we've built it high
Won't you come down here and just talk to me

And help me fill the gap between you and me

Cause when I float into my darkness
You don't know what to do
And when you drift away and you're dreaming
I don't know
How to reach you

I'm trying to fill the gap between you and me

Again I float into my darkness
You don't know what to do
And then you drift away and go dreaming




And I don't know
How to reach you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ida Jenshus's song The Gap reflect the ever-present struggle of two people trying to connect despite being pulled in different directions by their individual lives. The song expresses the feeling of loneliness that can grow in a relationship when both people are focused on their own lives and stop communicating. The first verse describes the lead singer's attempt to keep things neat in anticipation of her partner's return - this implies a desire to maintain a good relationship. She also mentions "getting used to sleeping all alone," indicating that her partner is either frequently absent or just not providing her with the emotional support that she wants.


In the second verse, the singer notes that there are things that are not being spoken about, and that they are actively pushing each other away. The mention of the "wall" implies that the singer feels that an emotional barrier has been erected between them, making communication difficult. Despite wanting to bridge the gap, the singer finds herself floating "into darkness" when her partner is not around, feeling alone and unsure of how to connect with him. The repeated chorus of "I'm trying to fill the gap between you and me" emphasizes the desperation to reconnect with her partner and to reignite the passion in their relationship.


Overall, the lyrics capture the feeling of a once vibrant relationship drifting apart, with both partners struggling to reconnect despite being committed to one another. It's a poignant message that speaks to anyone who has ever felt lonely, unloved, or disconnected in a relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

I've cleaned your favorite coffee cup
I took the initiative to clean your treasured Beatle-themed coffee cup


The one with the Beatles on
The coffee mug in question has the image of the famous music band The Beatles on it


I've changed the sheets for when you come home
The sheets on the bed have been replaced to make sleeping arrangements ready for your arrival


I've gotten used to sleeping all alone
I have become accustomed to sleeping by myself, without your presence


How many times have I washed the floors
I have scrubbed the floors repeatedly while keeping myself company


Keeping myself company
I am alone while I do these things, which are usually done with someone else present


While you are out there busy making plans
You are occupied with making future arrangements away from the present situation


Are you ever thinking of me?
I wonder if you ever ponder about me and our relationship while you are making your plans


I'm trying to fill the gap between you and me
I am working hard to bridge the emotional distance that exists between us


Cause when I float into my darkness
When I delve into my mental struggles and shadows


You don't know what to do
You are unsure of how to react or help me when I am struggling


And when you drift away and you're dreaming
When you disengage from me and your mind is elsewhere


I don't know how to reach you
I feel lost and uncertain about how to approach or connect with you when you drift away


There are things we never talk about
There are topics and issues between us that we avoid discussing


Things we only lock away
We keep certain matters between ourselves, shutting them from the world and each other


The wall is up, we've built it high
The emotional barrier between us is strong and high, deterring us from communicating effectively


Won't you come down here and just talk to me
Can we please sit down and discuss our problems and issues openly and honestly?


Again I float into my darkness
Once again I find myself succumbing to my inner turmoil and angst


And then you drift away and go dreaming
And once more you become distant, absorbed in your own reverie


And I don't know how to reach you
And I am helpless, unsure about how to reach out and connect with you




Writer(s): IDA JENSHUS, KARE VESTRHEIM

Contributed by Gabriel I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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