WHEN THE NIGHT ENDS
Johnny Huynh
Exploring the Dawn: The Dilemma of Love in 'When The Night Ends'
The song captures the complexity of a new romance. The lyrical self experiences a strong connection with another person, expressed through sensory and physical metaphors such as 'breath' and 'steps. Doubt, however, hangs over the nature of this feeling, especially considering the context in which it arises. Uncertainty about the relationship's future is evident in the questions about what will happen when the night ends and when the sun rises, as in the verses 'Here comes the Sun should fight it? Where we go when the night ends?'.
The fear of expressing oneself and searching for a middle ground are recurring themes. The lyrical self hesitates to verbalize his feelings for fear of hurting himself or scaring the other person. The difficulty in finding a balance between the intensity of the present moment and the uncertainty of the future is evident in the repetition of the phrase 'And it's so hard to meet in the middle'.
The song ends with a feeling of hope mixed with doubt. The suggestion to let the other person take the initiative and the metaphor of 'Fire on the gasoline' indicates a desire to deepen the connection. However, the question 'Baby, are you just dreaming?' reveals the lyrical self's insecurity about the reality of the relationship. The song closes with a repeated question about the future, leaving the listener feeling that the journey has only just begun.