Both All The Time

Faye Webster's song 'Both All The Time' delves into the profound and often painful experience of loneliness and lonesomeness. The lyrics open with a poignant question, 'Will I stop crying for once? It’s hurtin’ my eyes,' immediately setting a tone of emotional exhaustion. Webster distinguishes between being lonely and being lonesome, suggesting that while they are different states, she experiences both simultaneously, creating a constant, overwhelming sense of isolation. This duality is a central theme, highlighting the complexity of human emotions and the struggle to find solace.

The song continues to explore themes of self-imposed isolation and the comfort found in familiar routines. Webster sings, 'I won’t let myself out, but I like it like that,' indicating a preference for staying within the confines of her home, where she feels safe despite the loneliness. This sentiment is further emphasized with the line, 'I don’t get the point of leaving my house, 'cause I always come back,' suggesting a cyclical pattern of seeking comfort in the known, even if it means remaining in a state of solitude. The metaphor of rereading the same book because 'I know how it ends' speaks to a fear of the unknown and a desire for predictability, even at the cost of new experiences.

The song reaches its emotional peak with the admission of feeling 'loneliest at night,' a time when the absence of companionship is most acutely felt. The imagery of going to sleep without turning out the lights and pretending 'like somebody's here' underscores the deep yearning for connection and the lengths to which one might go to alleviate the pain of loneliness. Webster's candid portrayal of her inner world invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with loneliness and the ways they cope with it, making 'Both All The Time' a deeply relatable and moving piece.