Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Listen to me, baby
There's something you must see
I want to be with you, gal
If you want to be with me
But if you got to go
It's all right
But if you got to go, go now
Or else you gotta stay all night
It ain't that I'm questionin' you
To take part in any quiz
It's just that I ain't got no watch
An' you keep askin' me what time it is
But if you got to go
It's all right
But if you got to go, go now
Or else you gotta stay all night
I am just a poor boy, baby
Lookin' to connect
But I certainly don't want you thinkin'
That I ain't got any respect
But if you got to go
It's all right
But if you got to go, go now
Or else you gotta stay all night
You know I'd have nightmares
And a guilty conscience, too
If I kept you from anything
That you really wanted to do
But if you got to go
It's all right
But if you got to go, go now
Or else you gotta stay all night
It ain't that I'm wantin'
Anything you never gave before
It's just that I'll be sleepin' soon
It'll be too dark for you to find the door
But if you got to go
It's all right
But if you got to go, go now
Or else you gotta stay all night
There's something you must see
I want to be with you, gal
If you want to be with me
But if you got to go
It's all right
But if you got to go, go now
Or else you gotta stay all night
It ain't that I'm questionin' you
To take part in any quiz
It's just that I ain't got no watch
An' you keep askin' me what time it is
But if you got to go
It's all right
But if you got to go, go now
Or else you gotta stay all night
I am just a poor boy, baby
Lookin' to connect
But I certainly don't want you thinkin'
That I ain't got any respect
But if you got to go
It's all right
But if you got to go, go now
Or else you gotta stay all night
You know I'd have nightmares
And a guilty conscience, too
If I kept you from anything
That you really wanted to do
But if you got to go
It's all right
But if you got to go, go now
Or else you gotta stay all night
It ain't that I'm wantin'
Anything you never gave before
It's just that I'll be sleepin' soon
It'll be too dark for you to find the door
But if you got to go
It's all right
But if you got to go, go now
Or else you gotta stay all night
Lyrics submitted by SexieSadie, edited by Mellow_Harsher
If You Gotta Go, Go Now (Or Else You Got to Stay All Night) Lyrics as written by Bob Dylan
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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... and there you have it! :)