In The Morning
Shannon Wright Lyrics


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You, dead sparrow
Used to sing
And now what once was yours
Is out of reach

Oh, everything you wanted gave way
Oh, everything you wanted gave way
You were timid, shy away
If only you'd let the day unfold

Oh, everything you wanted gave way
Oh, everything you wanted gave way

Oh, everything you wanted gave way
Oh, everything you wanted gave way

In the morning light
Cold, tender light
In the morning light
Cold, tender light

Oh, everything you wanted gave way
Oh, everything you wanted gave way

Oh, everything you wanted gave way
Oh, everything you wanted gave way

In the morning light
Cold, tender light




In the morning light
Cold, tender light

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Shannon Wright’s “In The Morning” are poetic and introspective, reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and the sacrifices we make to achieve our desires. The metaphor of the “dead sparrow” is used to represent a loss of purpose and identity, as the bird’s once beautiful song is silenced now that it is no longer alive. The singer of the song is lamenting the fact that they too have lost something valuable, their dreams or aspirations, which are now out of reach.


The chorus repeats the phrase “everything you wanted gave way”, conveying an overwhelming sense of disappointment and resignation. The singer is acknowledging that their desires were not fulfilled, despite their best efforts. The verses describe the singer as “timid” and “shy away”, which suggests that they were hesitant to pursue their dreams, and perhaps missed opportunities to reach them. However, the line “if only you’d let the day unfold” suggests that the singer still believes there is potential for change and growth, if only they can seize the moment.


The final lines of the song describe the “cold, tender light” of the morning, which could be interpreted as a symbol of hope or renewal. Despite the loss and failure that the singer has experienced, there is still beauty and possibility in the world, waiting to be discovered.


Line by Line Meaning

You, dead sparrow
Addressing someone who has lost their spark, their vitality


Used to sing
Reference to when the person was lively and thriving, now they are not


And now what once was yours
Their former energy and enthusiasm


Is out of reach
Now unattainable


Oh, everything you wanted gave way
All their desires crumbled or failed


You were timid, shy away
Perhaps they were reserved or hesitant to pursue their goals


If only you'd let the day unfold
Regret over not taking more chances or seizing opportunities


In the morning light
New day ahead, symbolizing hope or renewal


Cold, tender light
Light representing the beauty and fragility of life, but also its harshness


Oh, everything you wanted gave way
Reiteration of the loss and disappointment experienced


In the morning light
Repeated emphasis on starting anew and finding new possibilities


Cold, tender light
Same as before




Contributed by Kaylee E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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