Moment
Jonny West Lyrics
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So I find it funny that I'm surrounded by demons
I'm waiting idly by counting the seconds 'til my time
But in the back of my mind
What if I don't have a moment?
What if it slips and I can't hold it?
What if I'm not who I'm supposed to be?
What if I don't have a moment?
Or the moment don't have me?
Trying to get far driving the fast lane
In a beat up car, oh you'd miss it if you saw
I'm cruising through the jungle
Draped in the brightest lights
Who do I think I am, thinking I have the right to shine?
I'm looking at all the signs of these lives that are not mine
And in the back of my mind
What if I don't have a moment?
What if it slips and I can't hold it?
What if I'm playing my keys for nobody?
What if I'm not who I'm supposed to be?
What if I don't have a moment?
Or the moment don't have me?
Having too much rhyme without a reason
Can bring you to your knees
We pay the price but nothing is guaranteed
What if I don't have a moment?
What if it slips and I can't hold it?
What if I'm playing my keys for nobody?
What if I'm not who I'm supposed to be?
What if I don't have a moment?
All I want is my moment
But what if the moment don't want me?
The song "Moment" by Jonny West is a reflection on the uncertainties and anxieties that can come with pursuing one's dreams in the fast-paced and competitive city of Los Angeles. The opening lines, "I'm living in the city of angels, so I find it funny that I'm surrounded by demons," set the tone for the introspective and somewhat dark mood of the song. West is juxtaposing the glamour and allure of the entertainment industry with the harsh realities of the human experiences that come with it, such as self-doubt, fear of failure, and the pressure to "make it big."
In the chorus, West wonders what will happen if he doesn't have a "moment," which is likely a reference to a breakthrough or star-making opportunity in the industry. He questions if he will miss out on his chance or if he is even capable of seizing it. He also contrasts the idea of having a moment with the feeling that the moment might not have him, implying that external circumstances such as luck or timing might be more important than his own efforts or talents.
In the second verse, West describes himself as "trying to get far driving the fast lane in a beat-up car" and feeling like he doesn't belong among the bright lights and high-rises of LA. He observes the lives of others, perhaps those who have already achieved success or who are living more conventional lives, and doubts himself in comparison. He acknowledges that there is a price to pay for chasing his dreams, but that it is also not a guarantee of any particular outcome.
Overall, "Moment" portrays the inner turmoil and vulnerability that can come with striving for something uncertain and hard to attain. While the song is mostly melancholic, it ends on a somewhat hopeful note, as West expresses his desire for that elusive "moment" and the possibility that it might still be attainable.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm living in the city of angels
I reside in a place known as the City of Angels
So I find it funny that I'm surrounded by demons
I find it ironic that the city full of good people is where I encounter bad people
I'm waiting idly by counting the seconds 'til my time
I'm sitting around doing nothing, waiting for my time to come
But in the back of my mind
Although I try to ignore it, there is a thought that constantly lingers in my mind
What if I don't have a moment?
What if I never have a chance to reach my full potential?
What if it slips and I can't hold it?
What if my opportunity to succeed is wasted and I can't get it back?
What if I'm playing my keys for nobody?
What if I'm creating music that nobody listens to or cares about?
What if I'm not who I'm supposed to be?
What if I'm not fulfilling my true purpose or potential as a person?
What if I don't have a moment?
What if my chance to succeed or make something of myself is never presented?
Or the moment don't have me?
Or what if I'm not equipped or prepared enough to see or seize my opportunity?
Trying to get far driving the fast lane
I'm trying to quickly move ahead and achieve success in life
In a beat up car, oh you'd miss it if you saw
I'm using a poor vehicle to achieve my ambitions and you wouldn't think I'm capable if you saw me
I'm cruising through the jungle
I'm encountering a lot of obstacles and challenges as I try to achieve my goals
Draped in the brightest lights
Despite the challenges I face, I try to remain positive and hopeful
Who do I think I am, thinking I have the right to shine?
When I'm faced with challenges and obstacles, I begin to doubt myself and question whether I really deserve to succeed
I'm looking at all the signs of these lives that are not mine
I'm seeing that others have found success and I'm questioning what I'm doing wrong
Having too much rhyme without a reason
I've been too focused on superficial things like style and appearance, without focusing on the substance of what I'm doing
Can bring you to your knees
This superficial focus can lead to failure and disappointment
We pay the price but nothing is guaranteed
Although I'm working hard to achieve my goals, there are no guarantees of success
All I want is my moment
All I want is my chance to achieve my goals and succeed in life
But what if the moment don't want me?
But what if I'm not capable or prepared enough to take advantage of my chance?
Writer(s): Jonny West
Contributed by Elliot N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.