Everything Missing

Alannah Myles' song 'Everything Missing' delves into the profound sense of emptiness and unfulfilled desires that can permeate one's life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a cold, desolate night where even the warmth of a fireplace fails to bring comfort. The imagery of 'two lips pout, too cold for kissing' and 'smoke pouring out' sets a melancholic tone, suggesting a longing for connection that remains unmet. The 'ideal bride' and 'perfect night' are juxtaposed with the stark reality of 'everything tried, everything missing,' highlighting the gap between expectations and reality.

The narrative continues with a scene of two people sitting on a bed in complete darkness, where every word spoken hits the mark but still leaves a void. This darkness symbolizes the emotional and psychological state of the characters, where clarity and understanding are present, yet something essential is still lacking. The repetition of 'everything was missing' underscores the pervasive sense of absence and dissatisfaction.

In the latter part of the song, the protagonist seeks solace in a 'midnight session' with a palm reader, hoping to find answers or a cure for their obsession. The palm reader's profession, described as one where 'nights get long,' mirrors the protagonist's own endless search for fulfillment. The song concludes with a metaphorical 'long black train' that rides blindly to the end of the line, suggesting a journey through life in search of something elusive. The hope of finding 'everything' at the end of this journey remains uncertain, encapsulating the theme of perpetual longing and the human condition of seeking what is missing in our lives.