What's Another Year
Johnny Logan
The Loneliness of Time: A Year in Waiting
Johnny Logan's song "What's Another Year" delves deep into the emotional landscape of loneliness and longing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has been waiting and hoping for a significant other to return, only to be met with continued absence. The repeated question, "What's another year?", underscores the protagonist's resignation and the passage of time that feels both endless and empty. This refrain highlights the cyclical nature of their pain and the seemingly unending wait for a reunion that may never come.
The song's verses reveal the various ways the protagonist copes with their solitude. From waking and reaching out in vain to praying and crying, each action is a testament to their enduring hope and the deep-seated fear of perpetual loneliness. The line, "For someone who's lost everything that he owns," suggests a profound sense of loss beyond just the absence of a loved one, hinting at a broader context of personal devastation. This could be interpreted as the loss of not just a person, but also the life and dreams they once shared.
Johnny Logan's poignant delivery and the melancholic melody amplify the song's themes of heartache and endurance. The repetition of the phrase "getting used to being alone" speaks to the painful process of acclimatizing to a new, unwanted reality. The song resonates with anyone who has experienced prolonged separation or the slow, painful adjustment to a life without a loved one. It captures the essence of human resilience in the face of emotional turmoil, making it a timeless piece that speaks to the universal experience of love and loss.