Sullivan worked as a touring drummer for twenty years, much of which was spent playing house shows, warehouses and art spaces with a half dozen DIY punk bands, including Ringers and an early incarnation of Worriers.
In 2009, he joined The Babies alongside Kevin Morby and Cassie Ramone. When the band went on hiatus in 2013, Sullivan moved to Los Angeles with Morby and continued working with him as a staple of the live band and playing on all of Morby’s studio albums. In the meantime, Sullivan also formed the fuzz punk outfit Flat Worms, with Tim Hellman of Oh Sees and Will Ivy. But in the middle of a tour in August of 2016, Sullivan realized the rigors of the road had grown to be too much. He made the decision to take a full calendar year away from touring and focus, for the first time, on writing his own music.
Waiting
Night Shop Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, it's you and me, just like it always was
You light another Why? Just because
Feels like we've always been in this parking lot
We're down, so down, but we sure do laugh a lot
We were our whole lives waiting
Back in school they used to give you hell
Because of what you thought and how you felt
Why are you holding to that for?
Don't you know who you are?
You are the only star
In the night sky
When it's getting dark
That's who you are
This is a world of trouble, this is a world of struggle
This is a life of patience, this is a life of waiting
And it's too short to tie your hands behind your back
It's too short to do these things that feel so bad
Some might say it's too short to wait for you
But who knows just why we do these things we do
Turn the radio on
Something slow and nice
I can tell a joke. And you can roll your eyes
And maybe this was the sweetest time of all
Maybe this was what I was waiting for
Don't you know who you are?
In "Waiting" by Night Shop, the lyrics explore the theme of waiting and the passage of time. The song reflects on the experience of waiting throughout one's life, and the familiarity and connection between two people who have been waiting together. The lyrics suggest that despite the ups and downs in life, laughter provides a sense of comfort and bonds them together.
The song begins with the singer acknowledging that waiting has been a significant part of their life. This waiting is not specified, allowing listeners to interpret it in their own personal context. The line "You light another Why? Just because" suggests the act of lighting a cigarette or indulging in a habit as a coping mechanism for the waiting. The mention of a parking lot represents a space where they have spent a significant amount of time together.
The second verse reminisces about the singer's past, specifically their time in school where they faced ridicule for their thoughts and feelings. However, the lyrics shift to emphasize that those who once caused harm can no longer hurt them. The question is raised as to why the singer continues to hold onto those negative experiences when they are no longer relevant.
The chorus serves as a reminder of self-identity and potential. The singer is urged to recognize their own worth and uniqueness, comparing themselves to a star in the night sky that shines bright when darkness surrounds them. It is a message of self-empowerment and owning one's individuality.
The bridge transitions to a reflection on the challenges and struggles in life. The world is described as troublesome and full of struggle, requiring patience and resilience. However, the lyrics also suggest that it is too short to let oneself be restrained or engage in actions that make them feel bad. The singer questions the reasoning behind waiting for something or someone, leaving it open-ended and highlighting the ambiguity of human behavior.
The song concludes with a more lighthearted tone. The imagery of turning on the radio and sharing a humorous moment with someone adds a sense of warmth and contentment. It is implied that this particular moment of connection and joy is what the singer has been waiting for.
Overall, "Waiting" by Night Shop explores the concept of waiting in life, the complexities of human emotions, and the importance of self-recognition and finding joy in the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
I was my whole life waiting
I have spent my entire existence waiting for something significant to happen
Well, it's you and me, just like it always was
It's just the two of us, as it has always been
You light another Why? Just because
You ignite another cigarette without any particular reason
Feels like we've always been in this parking lot
It seems as if we have spent an eternity in this particular parking lot
We're down, so down, but we sure do laugh a lot
We may be feeling low, but we still find joy in laughter
We were our whole lives waiting
We have been waiting for our whole lives
Back in school they used to give you hell
During our school days, you were constantly tormented
Because of what you thought and how you felt
Due to your opinions and emotions, you were subjected to ridicule
But look around, they can't hurt you no more
But if you take a look, they no longer have the power to harm you
Why are you holding to that for?
Why are you still clinging onto those painful memories?
Don't you know who you are?
Aren't you aware of your true identity?
You are the only star
You are the one and only shining star
In the night sky
Amongst the darkness of the sky
When it's getting dark
Especially when the surroundings become gloomy
That's who you are
That is your essence
This is a world of trouble, this is a world of struggle
This world is filled with difficulties and hardships
This is a life of patience, this is a life of waiting
An existence characterized by the necessity of being patient and waiting
And it's too short to tie your hands behind your back
Life is too brief to restrain yourself and limit your potential
It's too short to do these things that feel so bad
We shouldn't waste our limited time on activities that bring us misery
Some might say it's too short to wait for you
Certain individuals may argue that waiting for you is not worth the limited time we have
But who knows just why we do these things we do
Nevertheless, who truly understands the reasons behind our actions?
Turn the radio on
Switch on the radio
Something slow and nice
Choose a soothing and pleasant song
I can tell a joke. And you can roll your eyes
I can crack a joke, and you can playfully express your amusement
And maybe this was the sweetest time of all
Perhaps this moment is the most delightful and cherished of them all
Maybe this was what I was waiting for
Possibly, this is what I have been waiting for all along
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: JUSTIN EDWARD SULLIVAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Fadi Kareem
"It’s too short to do these things that feel so bad."
Good message, and the song is cool.
crystal tremer
You’re so talented Justin.❤️great song!
Nathan Butterfield
Beautiful song and love the direction in this video... Top notch production quality!
Jordan Altergott
Beautifully done!
Linne' Cornwell
Amazing. Cant wait to hear more
Andrew Orillion
This guy's music has become my COVID-19 obsession.
Joud Ahmed
i like it good job
huvudtvatt
Incredible.
K¡LLER WHALE
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤