Lizz Wright is a U.S. jazz singer and composer.

In 2000 Wright joine… Read Full Bio ↴Lizz Wright is a U.S. jazz singer and composer.

In 2000 Wright joined the Atlanta-based vocal quartet In the Spirit, which soon achieved critical acclaim; in 2002 she signed a recording contract with Verve Records. Her first album, Salt, was released in 2003 (reaching number two on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz chart in 2004), followed by Dreaming Wide Awake in June 2005 (reaching number one on the Top Contemporary Jazz chart in 2005 and 2006).

Narrow Daylight
Lizz Wright Lyrics

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Narrow daylight entered my room
Shining hours were brief
Winter is over
Summer is near
Are we stronger than we believe?

I walked through halls of reputation
Among the infamous too

As the camera clings to the common thread
Beyond all vanity
Into a gaze to shoot you through

Is the kindness we count upon
Hidden in everyone?

I stepped out in a sunlit grove
Although deep down I wished it would rain
Washing away all the sadness and tears
That will never fall so heavily again

Is the kindness we count upon
Is hidden in everyone

I stood there in the salt spray air
Felt wind sweeping over my face
I ran up through the rocks to the old
Wooden cross
It's a place where I can find some peace

Narrow daylight entered my room
Shining hours were brief
Winter is over

Summer is near
Are we stronger than we believe?

Overall Meaning

In the song "Narrow Daylight" by Lizz Wright, the singer talks about the fleeting nature of time and the transience of life. The opening lines of the song, "Narrow daylight entered my room, shining hours were brief, winter is over, summer is near, are we stronger than we believe?" refer to the passage of time and how quickly life can pass by. The "narrow daylight" symbolizes the limited time we have in life, and the "shining hours" refer to the moments of happiness and joy that can pass by quickly.

The second verse talks about the singer's experiences in life, walking through "halls of reputation" and being around the "infamous." This could be a reference to the music industry or fame in general. The lyrics "beyond all vanity, into a gaze to shoot you through" suggest that despite the superficiality of fame or reputation, there is a deeper connection that can be made between people.

The chorus of the song repeats the question, "is the kindness we count upon hidden in everyone?" This could refer to the belief that everyone has the capacity for compassion and empathy, but it may be hidden or suppressed. The singer then describes finding solace in nature, wishing for rain to wash away sadness and tears that will never fall so heavily again.

Overall, "Narrow Daylight" is a contemplative song about the passage of time and finding peace in nature. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but the underlying themes of transience and connection are universal.

Line by Line Meaning

Narrow daylight entered my room
I woke up to a thin beam of sunlight shining through my window

Shining hours were brief
The daylight didn't last long

Winter is over
The cold, dark season has come to an end

Summer is near
The warm, bright season is on its way

Are we stronger than we believe?
Do we have the strength to face the challenges ahead?

I walked through halls of reputation
I went through places and spaces where people are known for their accomplishments

Among the infamous too
Alongside people who have become known for their misdeeds

As the camera clings to the common thread
Just like how cameras capture commonalities between individuals

Beyond all vanity
Without any pretenses or superficialities

Into a gaze to shoot you through
Into a penetrating stare that seeks to understand you deeply

Is the kindness we count upon
Is the good nature we rely on

Hidden in everyone?
Present, but not always visible or obvious

I stepped out in a sunlit grove
I went outside into a wooded area that was illuminated by the sun

Although deep down I wished it would rain
Even though I secretly longed for the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of a heavy rainfall

Washing away all the sadness and tears
Removing all the negative emotions and feelings of grief

That will never fall so heavily again
That will never weigh so heavily on me like they once did

I stood there in the salt spray air
I remained standing amidst the refreshing breeze that carried sea mist

Felt wind sweeping over my face
I experienced the sensation of air moving across my skin

I ran up through the rocks to the old wooden cross
I quickly moved up the rocky terrain to reach an ancient religious cross that held significance to me

It's a place where I can find some peace
It's somewhere I can go to feel calm and comforted

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DIANA JEAN KRALL, ELVIS COSTELLO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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