Gary has said that this is about "three stories." I think the first verse is about someone who's in a bad relationship, who feels trapped and doesn't know how to get out. It's someone who stays because they can't leave or they feel pressured to stay despite being unhappy.
The second, "You've been up all night, (...) There's strangers everywhere" I think is about an alcoholic who hasn't realized it yet, or someone going through some serious self-destructive behavior and hiding it under "partying."
The third is the saddest to me. It's about someone who has just lost a loved one and missed the chance to say goodbye. The theme of the song is that no matter how bad it is, it will be better. This sadness, this difficulty that dominates your life isn't all you are. I think this is a very beautiful song.
Gary has said that this is about "three stories." I think the first verse is about someone who's in a bad relationship, who feels trapped and doesn't know how to get out. It's someone who stays because they can't leave or they feel pressured to stay despite being unhappy.
The second, "You've been up all night, (...) There's strangers everywhere" I think is about an alcoholic who hasn't realized it yet, or someone going through some serious self-destructive behavior and hiding it under "partying."
The third is the saddest to me. It's about someone who has just lost a loved one and missed the chance to say goodbye. The theme of the song is that no matter how bad it is, it will be better. This sadness, this difficulty that dominates your life isn't all you are. I think this is a very beautiful song.