By Tonight
Mott Lyrics

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Much too soon you're gonna know I'm strong
I don't care what's right or wrong,
I'm gonna find you by tonight.
I've been so long searching for you
And there ain't a thing that you can do
'Cause I'm gonna be there by tonight.

If you're feeling edgy then you better catch a train,

Or you may see my face at your window pane
I'm gonna get you by tonight.

I've listened and waited and watched every move
I'm tortured and twisted, got something to prove
And I ain't the kind that you can easily soothe
Now you're in for some trouble,

I'm telling the truth.
And you can't escape...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mott the Hoople's song "By Tonight" depict a dark and foreboding message from the singer to their target, indicating that they will find them no matter what. The lyrics make it clear that the person singing has been searching for this individual for a long time, and their desperation to find them is palpable. The singer declares that they don't care about what is right or wrong, indicating that they will do whatever it takes to achieve their goal. The tone of the lyrics suggests a level of cruelty and violence that is unsettling.

The words "If you're feeling edgy then you better catch a train, or you may see my face at your window pane" create an image of stalking and the use of force, making it clear that the singer is willing to do whatever it takes to find their target. The lines next to it suggest that the person has been observing their target for a while, and the situation has been causing them anguish. They've become obsessed with finding them, and they're not the kind of person that can be easily comforted. The phrase "Now you're in for some trouble, I'm telling the truth. And you can't escape," completes the song with a message of implied violence.

Overall, the lyrics of "By Tonight" depict the thoughts and feelings of someone who is desperate and cruel in their search for someone else. The song's dark tone and foreboding lyrics show that the singer is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.

Line by Line Meaning

Much too soon you're gonna know I'm strong
Very soon you will see my strength

I don't care what's right or wrong,
I am indifferent to morality

I'm gonna find you by tonight.
I will locate you this evening

I've been so long searching for you
I have spent a considerable amount of time searching for you

And there ain't a thing that you can do
There is no action you can take to prevent me from finding you

'Cause I'm gonna be there by tonight.
I will be present at your location tonight

If you're feeling edgy then you better catch a train,
If you are nervous, it would be wise to leave town by train

Or you may see my face at your window pane
Otherwise, you may encounter me at your window

I've listened and waited and watched every move
I have patiently observed your actions and movements

I'm tortured and twisted, got something to prove
I am emotionally distressed and have something to demonstrate

And I ain't the kind that you can easily soothe
I am not easily calmed or appeased