Long Day In The Universe
The Darling Buds Lyrics


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long day in the universe
i'm talking to you
oh made it worse
a big sun in a small sky
facing the sand
losing everything

i've never had a culture
i've never had a reason to
and if i had a reason
then i'd kill for love

the day and the sun's not out
the day and sun won't stop
a feeling like safety lasts
oh do you know what i'm saying

don't say it again
don't say it again
don't say it again
oh oh oh
don't say it again
don't say it again
don't say it again

some rain in the afternoon
clear then cold
are you coming home soon
long day in the universe




and i miss you
and i miss you

Overall Meaning

The Darling Buds's song Long Day In The Universe is a melancholic expression of longing and loss, with the main character feeling lost, isolated, and disconnected from the world around them. They are struggling to find their place in society and are haunted by a profound sense of emptiness. The line "long day in the universe" serves as an overarching metaphor for the character's internal struggles, conveying a feeling of being adrift in a vast, uncaring universe. The first verse highlights this sense of existential dread, with the character "facing the sand" and "losing everything." It's as though they're being swallowed up by the universe around them, unable to find any kind of solid footing.


The second verse adds to the overall sense of hopelessness, with the character admitting to never having had a culture or a reason to live. They highlight the fact that even if they did find a reason to live, they would be willing to go to extreme lengths, even killing, to maintain that newfound sense of purpose. The repetition of "don't say it again" at the end of the song is a final plea for the world to stop spinning, for the pain to end, and for the character to find some small measure of peace.


Overall, this song is a poignant reminder of the pain and isolation that so many people face in the modern world. It speaks to a universal sense of loneliness and longing, and its raw emotional power is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or alone.


Line by Line Meaning

long day in the universe
Reflecting on the long and arduous journey of life and existence in the vast universe


i'm talking to you
Addressing a specific person or audience for discussion or conversation


oh made it worse
Expressing how things have become more difficult or unbearable than before


a big sun in a small sky
Describing the overwhelming nature of a powerful or dominant force that seems out of place or context


facing the sand
Confronting harsh realities or challenges that seem insurmountable, like a desert landscape


losing everything
Experiencing the feeling of despair or hopelessness as one's life or possessions slip away


i've never had a culture
Not having a strong sense of identity or belonging to a particular group or tradition


i've never had a reason to
Not yet finding a compelling enough motivation or purpose for one's actions or life path


and if i had a reason
Hypothetically considering the possibility of having a clear motivation for one's choices or existence


then i'd kill for love
Expressing the depth of passion and intensity one would feel for something they deeply cared about or believed in


the day and the sun's not out
Describing a gloomy or overcast day where even the sun fails to shine


the day and sun won't stop
Highlighting the relentless nature of time and the passage of days and seasons


a feeling like safety lasts
Expressing the sense of comfort or security one experiences in certain situations or with certain people


oh do you know what i'm saying
Asking the listener if they can relate to or understand the emotions being conveyed


don't say it again
Asking someone to refrain from repeating something that is hurtful or unpleasant


oh oh oh
Vocalizing a sound of frustration or emotional distress


some rain in the afternoon
Describing a brief period of discomfort or trouble amidst an otherwise normal day


clear then cold
Describing the sudden shift in atmosphere and mood from calm to harsh


are you coming home soon
Expressing the desire to be reunited with someone who is missed or separated from


and i miss you
Emphasizing the feeling of loneliness or longing for someone who is absent




Contributed by Alexander M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

synapticflow

absolutely beautiful! the previous CD is great to.

Paul Maney

The only way to listen to the Buds is on vinyl!  Their three albums are never far from my turntable.  I'll NEVER understand why this kind of music didn't totally displace cr*p like Styx, Kansas, Foreigner, Journey, and all that tired "classic rock" tripe on the radio.  In my alternative universe, the Darling Buds racked up six #1 hits along with Holly Vincent, the Primitives, Voice of the Beehive, Aimee Mann and Sam Phillips.  I love being able to send this as a link to friends who need to have their minds blown and their brains expanded.  Thanks for posting this!

Duff Baker

I can recall those classic rock bands you mentioned were already on the way out by the mid/late 80's, definitely were old discarded news by the early 90's as grunge/alternative became mainstream. Grunge was also the culprit that displaced fine indie bands like the Darling Buds.

Steven Newcomb

I think they were just a little early...this was college radio in 90-91.

Steven Newcomb

maybe they weren't seen as new or fresh when the new wave of college radio buzzed in?

synapticflow

@ozo8avs I need to get their first CD and this one, plus any CD singles. I love Crawdaddy.

Ryan Kerouac

Toxic logic interrupts the mind's ability to flame out

Platinum Dragon Productions

With their earlier stuff the vocal was clear and up front. Everything I listen to after that has either the bass, the kick, the guitar or all three tromping on vocal... very disappointing...

Adam Sukenick

This is my favorite.

ThomasNigelHawkins

This album was quite shoegazey and that genre pushes vocals kind of back like it´s another instrument

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