Waiting for the Night

I dont get death out of it but more like he is tripping on something and can barely keep his eyes open. he feels no pain and is tranquil. He hears a noise and presses his hands to his ears so he wont hear it cause its hurting his mood. he just wants to fall into his haze.

I think this is an unconventional Christmas carol. The talk of deliverance arriving by night (Christ) and someone coming to harm (the innocents if Bethlehem) are both Christmas themes, as are a star guiding my way and angels descending.

I don't think it has anything to do with the night whatsoever... if you ask me, it sounds like he was hit over the head... or shot... or something to that effect... and in his last moments he is at peace. Able to forget all of the horrid things he has seen and done, and is simply waiting for the darkness of death to consume him... waiting for the night to fall. At least that's how I'm reading into it.

This song is most peaceful, and it has taken me to wonderful places, but i think there is something else that phnxx barely touched upon-

i think he is making an analogy of the high of [drug of choice] to the calmness of night:

"Keeps us from the stark reality ... When everything is bearable And there in the still All that you feel Is tranquility"

This makes further sense if you consider these lines:

"There is a sound in the calm Someone is coming to harm I press my hands to my ears It's easier here just to forget fear"

Notice that 'someone' is coming to harm, as the drug is taking him over, but he rather just 'forgets' about it, not that the danger has been eliminated.

Now fully on his trip, he sees visions and a "rose tinted" i.e. a perfect world.

I hate that many say a lot of songs are about drugs, but this one seems very obvious to me, as well as it is pretty much consensus that this album is about addiction/rehab.

I'm thinking along the same lines as SilverDew.

To me it's about the bliss of ignorance that keeps us from seeing the stark realities of life. The dark hides both fear and deed and all that remain are subtle details.

To me , it is a lullaby for adults ...When you are trying to fall asleep and start thinking about all the problems, concerns , hurt etc...

There is a sound in the calm ( the voice in your head keeping you from sleeping, thinking on all the things that you are concerned about...

Someone is coming to harm ( The anxiety , thoughts disturbing your peace ) I press my hands to my ears( try not to listen to it ) It's easier here just to forget fear ( let go of those thoughts of fear ) And when I squinted ( short sighted people squint, in order to see better The world seemed rose-tinted( if you see better, you will see all the positives , and be peaceful And angels appeared to descend ( peace invading your soul) To my surprise With half-closed eyes( if you block the negative and see the positive, closing your eyes to what is negative) Things looked even better

sleep, rest, trust your guidance ( there is a star in the sky) and you will be ready for the next day... beautiful!!

I'm not completely sure what Depeche Modes meaning of this song is, but I know how it makes ME feel. It conjures images in my mind of being up in the mountains, it's dark, the stars are bright, the moon is full. I can hear sounds of animals in the darkness, although they are friendly towards me. I can feel the breeze, and smell the freshness of the air. I am at peace. I am one with nature, and the darkness. I feel so exhilerated. To ME this song represents the night. Something of mystery. Something I love, and each day, I long for it. The night is full of beauty, and intrigue. it calls out to me it satisfies me. The night is my favorite time. It is quiet, and the creatures of the night are safe from prying eyes. This is what this song means to ME. The images I see when listening to D.M. just prove to me what great artists D.M. truly are. If an artist can convey such emotion, and imagery they are truly great, and Depeche Mode IS truly great!

I agree with both interpretations. Sounds like he is waiting for darkness of death, but also waiting for the night because it is calm and peaceful. This song is defenitly soothing and one of the best depeche mode songs.

I forgot to mention that I agree with you [Ratgirl] in the feeling of night. As for the song's meaning...I think I'm more with Catawhompus.

To me it's about isolating yourself from pain. Night could mean anywhere you don't have to see the negativity around you.

"There is a sound in the calm Someone is coming to harm I press my hands to my ears It's easier here just to forget fear"

That part of the song shows to me he'd rather be numb to pain than deal with it. Anyway, being an insomniac, I love this song.