Left & Right in the Dark
Julian Casablancas Lyrics

Running in the parking lot I'm four years old
Looking back to a simpler and happier time in life, filled with carefree innocence.

I am lost, those were the days
Reflecting on the past and the sense of nostalgia that comes with it.

The soft murmur of voices in the other room
The peaceful sounds of people nearby can bring comfort and security.

Comforting you as you fall asleep
As a child, being comforted and cared for can make even the most difficult days seem better.

Staring at the mother-daughter clones go by
Observing the way people are influenced by those around them and the desire to break free from that influence.

We're in a race against time
Feeling the pressure of life and the need to make the most of every moment.

And time might be winning
The realization that time can be a difficult adversary to overcome and that it can often seem to go too fast.

And it's not going to take all day though
Acknowledging that time is valuable and that it's important to make the most of it, even if it seems fleeting.

Watching the urban decay
Observing the decline of the world around us, as it becomes more polluted and worn out.

All around us, oh boy
Feeling overwhelmed by the chaos and decay of the modern world.

And I'm on my way, oh, somewhere
Feeling a sense of restlessness and a desire to escape from the current situation, perhaps in search of something better.

Feels like I'm going left and right in the dark
Feeling unsure and lost, as if wandering aimlessly in the dark with no clear direction or purpose.

How long must she wait, how long must you stay
A feeling of impatience and frustration with waiting for something or someone, and a sense of longing to move on to the next thing.

I am ashamed I think maybe sometimes
Admitting to past mistakes and regrets, and feeling guilty about poor decisions.

I might have used tricks to make you like me more
Acknowledging a tendency to manipulate situations or people in order to get what one wants, rather than being honest and authentic.

When I found you I was running wild
Finding someone or something that helps to tame one's wild nature and bring peace and stability to life.

Let's get outta here
A desire to escape from the current situation or location, in search of something better or more fulfilling.

What's the trouble there
Asking questions to try to understand and fix any issues or conflicts that arise.

I wanna know
Feeling a sense of curiosity and a desire for knowledge and understanding.

What were they thinking
Curious about the motivations behind other people's actions and decisions.

'Cause I think
Recognizing a shared perspective or viewpoint with someone else.

Sliding across the Indian wilderness
Traveling through new and exotic places, with all the excitement and adventure that comes with that.

Like the wind riding down sore throats
Moving quickly and smoothly, effortlessly gliding through new experiences and challenges.

Six a.m now you're in Hollywood
Waking up early to take on the challenges of the day, perhaps in pursuit of success in the entertainment industry.

And you're dancing, we made it
Celebrating success and the fulfillment of long-held dreams or goals.

We are turning with the earth so fast
Feeling the rush of life and the constant movement forward, with all its ups and downs and twists and turns.

That it feels a lot slower
Feeling that even though life moves fast, it can also feel like it's moving slower in the moment, allowing one to savor and enjoy every experience.

How long will it take to fix what can't break
Feeling uncertain about how to solve problems that seem insurmountable or unfixable.

Your Achilles heel is you like to feel your fingers on the wheel
Acknowledging a tendency to want control over situations, even if that desire for control can be damaging or limiting in some contexts.

Some live in the bottle, some live in the zoo
Reflecting on the many different ways that people cope with the difficulties and pressures of life, from substance abuse to retreating from society entirely.

With the director and the actor and the crew and the viewers
Recognizing the many different roles that people play in the world, from creators to consumers and everything in between.

Boys get their toys and girls got their dolls and
Reflecting on the gendered expectations that are placed on people from a young age, and the ways in which those expectations can limit and define individuals.

Nothing much gets easier in the final stages
Acknowledging that, for all the progress and success that may be achieved in life, some things will always be difficult and challenging, especially near the end of life.

Are you spending today as the same
Reflecting on the passage of time and questioning whether today is being spent in a fulfilling and productive way, or if it's being wasted in some sense.

As your life in corruption and temper in the way
Feeling as though life has been tainted by negative experiences or tendencies, and struggling to overcome those obstacles to better oneself.

Oh wake up
An urgent call to action, imploring someone to become more aware of their own situation and take steps to improve it.

Wake up
Repeating the previous line for emphasis, and to drive home the point that action is necessary in order to affect change.

Wake up
Repeating the previous line again, this time as an almost desperate plea for someone to take control of their life and start working towards a better future.

Wake up
A final repetition of the same phrase, perhaps as a kind of mantra or rallying cry to inspire someone to take action and make positive changes in their life.