Someday

Madonna's song "Someday" delves into the poignant theme of unrequited love and the loneliness that accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a mundane office environment, where the protagonist is surrounded by the sterile and impersonal atmosphere of cubicles and photocopiers. The tearing sound of love-notes and the gray-stained windows symbolize the emotional desolation and the longing for a connection that remains unfulfilled. The protagonist is only two cubes down from the object of their affection, yet the emotional distance feels insurmountable. The repeated line, "I'll photocopy all the things that we could be if you took the time to notice me," underscores the yearning for recognition and the frustration of being overlooked.

The chorus, with its stark imagery of a vacant 3 by 4 space, highlights the transient nature of relationships in the workplace. The temporary stand-in for the loved one's face signifies the fleeting and replaceable nature of human connections in such an environment. The protagonist's fear of dying alone is a recurring theme, reflecting the deep-seated anxiety and despair that comes with feeling invisible and unimportant. The water-cooler romance, described as terminal, suggests that these brief interactions are ultimately unfulfilling and doomed to end.

The song also explores the protagonist's fantasies of a different life, one where they could be dancing in the park or walking on a dark beach with their love. These idyllic scenarios contrast sharply with the bleak reality of their current situation, emphasizing the gap between their dreams and reality. The repetition of the line "I know you don't work here anymore" serves as a painful reminder of the lost opportunity for connection. The closing lines, where the protagonist contemplates dying alone, encapsulate the profound sense of isolation and resignation that permeates the song. Madonna's evocative lyrics and melancholic tone capture the essence of unrequited love and the loneliness that often accompanies it.