Waiting To Happen

Marillion's song 'Waiting To Happen' is a profound exploration of emotional rebirth and the transformative power of love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has endured a long period of emotional desolation, described metaphorically as a 'spiritual third world.' This phrase suggests a state of inner poverty and barrenness, where the protagonist has been deprived of emotional richness and fulfillment. The imagery of lying awake at night, listening to a partner sleep, and hearing the rain against the window sets a contemplative and intimate tone, highlighting the contrast between the protagonist's past cynicism and the newfound hope brought by their partner.

The recurring motif of rain symbolizes cleansing and renewal. The partner's arrival is likened to rain that washes away the 'emptiness and dryness' of the protagonist's days, suggesting that their love has revitalized the protagonist's spirit. The lines 'All the stones are diamonds, all the blues are faded' indicate a shift in perception, where past hardships are now seen as valuable experiences that have shaped the protagonist's current state of being. This transformation is further emphasized by the metaphor of a 'jigsaw of an angel,' representing the fragmented pieces of the protagonist's soul that are being reassembled through love and connection.

The chorus, with its imagery of 'something waiting to happen' and 'something learning to fly,' captures the sense of anticipation and potential that comes with this emotional awakening. The protagonist feels on the verge of an explosive, wild, and alive transformation, having waited their entire life to experience such profound emotions. The ability to 'talk without talking' signifies a deep, intuitive connection between the protagonist and their partner, suggesting that true understanding and communication transcend words. Ultimately, 'Waiting To Happen' is a celebration of love's power to heal, transform, and bring new life to a weary soul.