Late At Night
Joy Room
Escaping Heartache: The Emotional Journey in 'Late At Night' by Joy Room
In 'Late At Night,' Joy Room delves into the depths of heartache and the struggle to cope with the loss of a significant other. The song's protagonist is haunted by memories of a past relationship, finding solace in alcohol and the nightlife to numb the pain. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is deeply affected by the breakup, to the point where they hear their ex's voice in their mind and seek refuge in bars to escape their thoughts. The recurring theme of drinking and smoking highlights the protagonist's attempt to find temporary relief from their emotional turmoil.
The chorus, with its repeated lines about running away to the East side, symbolizes the protagonist's desire to escape their current reality. The East side represents a place of refuge, away from the painful memories associated with the West end clubs. The mention of a 'three-day bender' and being 'crucified on the pavement' suggests a self-destructive path, where the protagonist is willing to endure physical and emotional pain to forget their heartache. The lyrics also reveal a sense of resignation, as the protagonist acknowledges that being hungover is better than being sober and lying awake at night, tormented by thoughts of their ex finding someone new.
The song's bridge and outro emphasize the protagonist's ongoing struggle with their emotions. The repetition of 'Have another drink' and 'I'm on a brink' underscores the cyclical nature of their coping mechanism, as they continuously turn to alcohol to numb their pain. The final lines, 'West you're dead, east be my saviour, crucify me on the pavement,' encapsulate the protagonist's desperate plea for escape and salvation. 'Late At Night' is a raw and honest portrayal of the lengths one might go to avoid facing the reality of a broken heart, capturing the essence of emotional vulnerability and the search for solace in the midst of despair.