These Days
Jackson Browne/David Lindley Lyrics
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I don't do that much talkin' these days
These days
These days I seem to think a lot
About the things that I forgot to do
For you
And all the times I had the chance to
But it's so hard to risk another these days
These days
Now if I seem to be afraid
To live the life I have made in song
Well, it's just that I've been losin' for so long
Well, I'll keep on movin', movin' on
Things are bound to be improvin' these days
One of these days
These days I'll sit on corner stones
And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend
Don't confront me with my failures
I had not forgotten them
In Jackson Browne's song "These Days," he reflects upon his past mistakes and missed opportunities. He acknowledges that he doesn't talk as much as he used to, but he thinks a lot about the things he forgot to do for someone important in his life. Despite having a lover, the fear of risking another relationship holds him back. He believes that his inability to live the life he's made in song is due to his constant losses. However, he remains hopeful that things will eventually get better, and he won't be afraid to face any challenges that come his way. He concludes by saying that he won't forget his failures, but he'll keep moving forward.
The song was originally written by Browne when he was only 16 years old but was recorded for the first time in 1967 by one of his earliest and biggest influences, Nico. Browne later recorded a different version of the song for his 1973 album, "For Everyman." The song has been covered by many other artists, including Gregg Allman, St. Vincent, and Drake.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I've been out walkin'
I've been taking long walks outdoors
I don't do that much talkin' these days
I'm less talkative than usual lately
These days
Recently, in this period of time
These days I seem to think a lot
I've been thinking excessively
About the things that I forgot to do
About things I should have done but didn't
For you
For someone important in my life
And all the times I had the chance to
All the opportunities I missed
And I had a lover
I used to have a romantic partner
But it's so hard to risk another these days
I'm hesitant to pursue a new relationship
Now if I seem to be afraid
If I come off as scared
To live the life I have made in song
To live up to the lyrics in my songs
Well, it's just that I've been losin' for so long
I've been on a losing streak for a while now
Well, I'll keep on movin', movin' on
I'll continue to move forward regardless
Things are bound to be improvin' these days
I believe things will get better soon
One of these days
At some point in the future
These days I'll sit on corner stones
I'll spend time sitting and reflecting
And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend
I'll be counting mere seconds
Don't confront me with my failures
Please don't bring up my past mistakes
I had not forgotten them
I remember them all too well
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jackson Browne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind