Any minute now, my ship is coming in
I'll keep checking the horizon
I'll stand on the bow, feel the waves come crashing
Come crashing down down down, on me

And you say, be still my love
Open up your heart
Let the light shine in
Don't you understand
I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

When I awoke today, suddenly nothing happened
But in my dreams, I slew the dragon
And down this beaten path, up this cobbled lane
I'm walking in my old footsteps, once again

And you say, just be here now
Forget about the past, your mask is wearing thin
Just let me throw one more dice
I know that I can win

I'm waiting for my real life to begin

Any minute now, my ship is coming in
I'll keep checking the horizon
And I'll check my machine, there's sure to be that call
It's gonna happen soon, soon, oh so very soon
It's just that times are lean

And you say, be still my love
Open up your heart, let the light shine in
Don't you understand
I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

On a clear day, I can see, see for a long way
On a clear day, I can see, see for a long way


Lyrics submitted by BlueAndStarry

Waiting for My Real Life To Begin Lyrics as written by Thom Mooney Colin Hay

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Waiting For My Real Life To Begin song meanings
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    General Comment

    Colin Hay just isn't appreciated as much as he should be. He is an incredible songwriter and why more people don't know about him, I'll never understand. At least he's getting more exposure thanks to the TV show Scrubs. They've done about 3 or 4 of his songs.

    This song is certainly about a wrestless man who wants more in life. However I don't necessarily see any folly in his stubborness. For some reason I completey sympathize and even agree with the man. I suppose this might mean there is some kind of acceptance of his own inability to accept things, as if to say "this is how I am. I won't change and so I'll keep hoping". It's tragic and beautiful at the same time. Colin Hay really is amazing. That's all I'm saying...

    LDFon June 02, 2005   Link

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