When Day Is Done
Patrick Saussois and friends Lyrics

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I feel such sorrow, I feel such shame
I know I won't arrive on time
Before whatever out there is gone
What can I do, that day is done
It's just a promise that I made
I said I'd walk in her parade
Hot scalding tears I thought would flow
Still in my heart they'll never show

[Chorus:]
That day is done
That day is done
You know where I've gone I won't be coming back
That day is done
Well I recall the time and place
When they announced her precious face
I thought at once my heart would burst
Still every time is like the first
There was applause when she stepped up
I wished that I could interrupt
I made no sign, I made no sound
I know I must stay underground

[Chorus]

That's why she walks, or so they say
She always knew just what I needed
Now if she would just look my way
One time before they proceed
She sprinkles flowers in the dirt
That's when a thrill becomes a hurt
I know I'll never see her face
She walks away from my resting place

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Patrick Saussois and friends' song "When Day Is Done" convey a sense of regret and loss for a missed opportunity with a loved one. The singer speaks of feeling sorrow and shame for not being able to fulfill a promise they made to walk in a parade with this person. The sense of urgency is palpable, as the singer knows they won't arrive on time, yet they still hold onto the promise they made. The hot scalding tears are trapped in the heart, never to be shown, displaying the complexity of the singer's emotions.

As the song progresses, we learn that the object of the singer's affection is someone who is well-regarded and admired by others. The singer recalls an event in which this person's face was announced, and they felt their heart would burst with emotion. However, the applause from the crowd prevented the singer from interrupting and making their feelings known. The singer acknowledges the need to stay underground and remain hidden, unable to express themselves.

The final stanza displays the hopelessness and tragedy of the situation. The singer speaks of the loved one sprinkling flowers in the dirt, which turns from a thrill to a hurt. They know they'll never see this person's face again, and they walk away from the singer's resting place. The chorus repeats the phrase "That day is done" to reiterate the finality of the situation and the singer's sense of loss.

Overall, the lyrics of "When Day Is Done" showcase the pain and regret associated with lost opportunities and missed connections with important people in our lives.

Line by Line Meaning

I feel such sorrow, I feel such shame
I am filled with a deep sadness and embarrassment

I know I won't arrive on time
I am certain that I will miss the opportunity

Before whatever out there is gone
Before the chance is lost forever

What can I do, that day is done
There is nothing left for me to do

It's just a promise that I made
I only made a pledge

I said I'd walk in her parade
I promised to participate in her celebration

Hot scalding tears I thought would flow
I expected to cry profusely

Still in my heart they'll never show
But my emotions will remain hidden

That day is done
That day is over

That day is done
That day is finished

You know where I've gone I won't be coming back
I am gone for good