On The Western Skyline

Bruce Hornsby's song "On The Western Skyline" paints a vivid picture of longing and loneliness set against the backdrop of a coastal city. The song opens with a serene evening scene by the bay, where the roadlights on the bridge are turned on, and a diesel truck rolls by in silhouette. This imagery sets the stage for the narrator's introspective mood, as he gazes into the twilight, yearning to find someone to share his evening with. The mention of lovers being glad the sun has set contrasts sharply with the narrator's solitude, highlighting his deep sense of isolation.

The chorus emphasizes the narrator's belief that his potential companion is out there somewhere on the western skyline. This repeated line underscores his hope and desperation, as he imagines lonely women saying a prayer, perhaps for the same connection he seeks. The western skyline becomes a symbol of both hope and distance, representing the elusive nature of companionship and the vastness of the world that separates him from his desired partner.

The song also touches on themes of unfulfilled dreams and economic struggles. The rooftops sagging on Second Street and the bachelor's quarters filled with too much fun but not enough money paint a picture of a community grappling with financial hardship. The kite hanging on the wire, waiting for the wind, serves as a metaphor for the narrator's own dreams and aspirations, which seem to be stuck in a state of limbo. The voices on the radio telling him where to go add to the sense of directionless wandering, as he searches for meaning and connection in a world that feels increasingly out of reach.

The imagery of violence in the afterglow and the admiral's daughter trying to cross her battle line further complicate the narrative, suggesting underlying tensions and conflicts. Despite these challenges, the narrator's longing for a shiny Cadillac and the desire to escape past the city limits sign reflect a yearning for a better life and the hope that he might one day find the companionship he craves.