Goodnight
Idlewild Lyrics


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You thought shyness was to blame
And you'd get to live your life again
When you get to wish everyone goodnight
As the crowd booed out your name
At least they spelled it right, so you don't complain
Why everyone is wishing you goodnight

And maybe I'm wrong
And maybe you're right
What if I was the only one who can say goodnight

It's your heroes who are to blame
Constantly saying things that they don't explain
Well that's too bad, but I still can't say goodnight
And I just can't stay tonight
I woke up saying goodnight





Goodnight
Goodnight

Overall Meaning

The song "Goodnight" by Idlewild is a poignant reflection on the fragility of human life and the emotional complexity of success and failure. The lyrics describe a situation where the singer, perhaps a musician or performer, is booed off stage yet still manages to find solace in the act of saying goodnight to his audience. The opening lines suggest that the singer may have suffered from shyness and regrets not living their life to the fullest. There's a sense of sadness and resignation as the crowd boos out their name, yet they don't complain since at least their name was spelled right.


The singer questions the value of fame and success in the face of such isolation and loneliness. The lines "And maybe I'm wrong, and maybe you're right, what if I was the only one who can say goodnight" suggest a sense of self-doubt and insecurity. Despite this sense of confusion and self-doubt, the singer still finds meaning in the simple act of saying goodnight. The repetition of the word goodnight in the chorus emphasizes the importance of this seemingly small gesture.


Overall, "Goodnight" is a deeply introspective song that explores the emotional complexity of failure, success, and the human need for connection and meaning. It's a beautiful song that manages to convey a sense of hope and resilience despite the sadness and uncertainty of the lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

You thought shyness was to blame
You believed your quietness caused your problems


And you'd get to live your life again
You were hoping for a second chance


When you get to wish everyone goodnight
You want to say goodbye to everyone


As the crowd booed out your name
People were not happy with you


At least they spelled it right, so you don't complain
You're grateful they didn't misspell your name


Why everyone is wishing you goodnight
You're wondering why people want to say goodnight to you specifically


And maybe I'm wrong
I could be mistaken


And maybe you're right
You might have a valid point


What if I was the only one who can say goodnight
You might be the only one who feels ready to say goodbye


It's your heroes who are to blame
You believe your idols let you down


Constantly saying things that they don't explain
They speak but don't provide clarity


Well that's too bad, but I still can't say goodnight
Their behavior doesn't excuse you from your responsibilities


And I just can't stay tonight
You don't want to remain any longer


I woke up saying goodnight
You began and ended your day with wishing everyone farewell


Goodnight
Farewell


Goodnight
Farewell




Contributed by Maria Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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