"Lyrics as Poetry" is a favorite theme of mine, and Tabatha has explored it thoroughly too, but the difference between a poem and a song IS marked, especially when the mood and melody of a song works to enrich the lyric.
I feel that way about this song, in which the structure and bittersweet tone the verse is what stands out and sticks with me rather than the refrain. Others must feel the same way, because this song is used everywhere from radio stations to baseball stadiums to signal an ending.
I have always assumed it was beloved and often replayed because it captures that precise moment of graduation from high school or college, as young people step out into a new stage of life, so it was interesting to learn that it was written about an impending birth--that first "baby" step into a very new and different stage of life!
So, let my 30th year of teaching come to an end, let Duncan's little-boy days come to an end, let my firstborn's whole childhood come to an end. May it all close full of grace and gratitude.
Closing Time || Semisonic 1998
Closing time
Open all the doors and let you out into the world.
Closing time
Turn all of the lights on over every boy and every girl.
Closing time
One last call for alcohol so finish your whiskey or beer.
Closing time
You don't have to go home but you can't stay here.
I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
Take me home
Closing time
Time for you to go out to the places you will be from.
Closing time
This room won't be open till your brothers or your sisters come.
So gather up your jackets, and move it to the exits
I hope you have found a friend.
Closing time
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.
Yeah, I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
Take me home
Closing time
Time for you to go out to the places you will be from
I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
Take me home
Closing time
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end
All my best as you enter this closing time. So many emotions flying around. Try to catch some alone time to process them all.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret--still getting up early to do just that...
DeleteThis one catches in my throat and brings tears, "Time for you to go out to the places you will be from"
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard this one before! Thanks for sharing it. Best wishes in these emotional moments - I can relate!
ReplyDeleteEvery new beginning comes from some other beginning's end
ReplyDeleteA simple truth.
I have some Cole Porter lyrics at Kurious Kitty that you may be interested in.
Such excitement for your kids. But I dread the day my oldest graduates from high school, even as he gets snarkier and more difficult to go anywhere with me.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this bittersweet 'closing time,' Heidi...I know how you feel.
ReplyDeleteHeidi, it is amazing to see our children move on to new beginnings as their past closes. This post comes on the heels of returning from my granddaughter's birth. My daughter found a beautiful home in Reston (remember we were talking about that back at NCTE) and a year later she brought her daughter into it. She grew from bride to homeowner to mother and I got to watch the transformation. "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." Congratulations to your children on their new beginnings.
ReplyDelete