5:11 AM
Roger Waters Lyrics


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And the moment of clarity
Faded like charity does
Sometimes
I open one eye
And I put out my hand just to touch your soft hair
To make sure in the darkness that you were still there
And I have to admit
I was just a little afraid
Yeah
But then...
I had a little bit of luck




You were awake
I couldn't take another moment alone

Overall Meaning

In "5.11 Am," Roger Waters talks about the fleeting nature of clarity and how it can quickly recede like charity. He likens clarity to a momentary burst of inspiration or insight that can come to us in a sudden flash but just as quickly disappear. He then describes a scene where he opens his eyes in the middle of the night, reaching out to touch his lover's hair, reassuring himself that they are still there in the darkness. Despite his initial fear and vulnerability, he feels lucky that his lover is still awake and with him. The song captures the precariousness of human relationships and our constant need for reassurance and connection with others.


The song is from Roger Waters' third solo album, "Amused to Death," released in 1992. The album is a concept album that explores themes of media manipulation, propaganda, and the alienation of modern society. "5.11 Am" stands out in the album as a more personal and introspective song, focusing on the vulnerability and fear that come with human relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

And the moment of clarity
The brief understanding or realization


Faded like charity does
Disappeared slowly, like how generosity eventually fades away


Sometimes
Not always, but occasionally


I open one eye
I partially awake or stir from sleep


And I put out my hand just to touch your soft hair
I reach out my hand to feel the comforting presence of someone else


To make sure in the darkness that you were still there
To reassure myself that I'm not alone and that someone is by my side


And I have to admit
Confessing or acknowledging something true


I was just a little afraid
I was scared or anxious to be on my own


But then...
However, something changed or happened


I had a little bit of luck
Something fortuitous happened to me


You were awake
The person I cared about was not sleeping and was present with me


I couldn't take another moment alone
I was unable to bear being by myself any longer




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