Until Tomorrow
Simon Townshend Lyrics


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I'll tow the line, make up my mind and leave it behind until tomorrow
Slowly it all sinks in, wrinkles of time settle on the skin
Suddenly all appears, all that you were faded in the years
But as each day goes by, the more I can hide in my youth, for excuse
Until tomorrow, until the next time, until whenever, I'll wait forever
Once there was part of me, locked up inside fighting to be free
I'll bottle resent somehow
'Cause if I knew then what I know now
But you must never look back
Cause the reason for that led to this, just to exist
Until tomorrow until the next time, until whenever I'll wait forever
I've got ambition a plan and mission
And all the time in the world to see it happen
Search for the reason I was
Hurt by the treason I got
Learn from the season that shot away
Live for the day
Until tomorrow until the next time until whenever, I'll wait forever
I'll turn the tables, unpin the labels
I'll get myself out of bed, keeping my eyes up ahead
Until tomorrow, until tomorrow




So I'll tow the line, make up my mind and leave it behind until tomorrow
I'll tow the line until tomorrow

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Simon Townshend's song "Until Tomorrow" describe someone who is struggling to come to terms with the passing of time and the consequences of their actions. The first two lines of the song "I'll tow the line, make up my mind and leave it behind until tomorrow" suggest that the individual is running away from their problems, unresolved issues and difficult decisions, procrastinating and postponing any action until the following day. However, as time goes by, the weight of their choices becomes more apparent on their skin, in the form of wrinkles, and they start to reflect on their past, wondering if they had made different choices if the outcome would have been better.


The song talks about the regret of not being able to change the past, but also the hope of a better future. The lyrics "but you must never look back cause the reason for that led to this, just to exist" suggest that although the character may have made some poor decisions, it is essential to recognize that these actions have led them to their current moment of existence. The song also speaks about their determination and ambition to make a difference in their life and not let their past define them, embodied in the lines "I've got ambition a plan and mission, and all the time in the world to see it happen."


Overall, "Until Tomorrow" is a hopeful yet melancholic song that speaks about the struggle of accepting the past, learning from the mistakes, and moving forward towards a better future.


Line by Line Meaning

I'll tow the line, make up my mind and leave it behind until tomorrow
I'll follow the rules, make a decision, and put my troubles aside until tomorrow


Slowly it all sinks in, wrinkles of time settle on the skin
Gradually, the reality of aging becomes clear as time leaves its mark on the body


Suddenly all appears, all that you were faded in the years
Sudden realization that the person you once were has disappeared over time


But as each day goes by, the more I can hide in my youth, for excuse
As time passes, I can use my youthful appearance as an excuse for not taking action


Until tomorrow, until the next time, until whenever, I'll wait forever
I'll procrastinate endlessly, waiting for the right moment to act


Once there was part of me, locked up inside fighting to be free
There was a time when I felt trapped and struggled to break free


I'll bottle resent somehow
I'll hold onto my resentment and not let it go


'Cause if I knew then what I know now
If I had the knowledge and maturity I have now, things would be different


But you must never look back
However, dwelling on the past is not productive


Cause the reason for that led to this, just to exist
The choices and experiences of the past have led to the present and only serve to allow survival


I've got ambition a plan and mission
I have goals, a strategy, and a purpose


And all the time in the world to see it happen
I have plenty of time to achieve my goals


Search for the reason I was hurt by the treason I got
I am trying to understand why I was hurt by the betrayal I experienced


Learn from the season that shot away
I must learn from the past experiences that have slipped away


Live for the day
I should focus on living in the present moment


I'll turn the tables, unpin the labels
I'll change the situation and remove any negative stereotypes


I'll get myself out of bed, keeping my eyes up ahead
I'll motivate myself to take action and focus on the future


Until tomorrow, until tomorrow
I'll keep putting off until tomorrow what I can do today


I'll tow the line until tomorrow
I'll keep following the rules and deferring my decisions until tomorrow




Contributed by Emily W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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