Dimming of the day

Richard Thompson's 'Dimming of the Day' is a poignant exploration of longing, heartache, and the solace found in a loved one. The song opens with the imagery of an old house falling apart, symbolizing the singer's life unraveling. The metaphor of 'drowning in the river of my tears' vividly conveys the depth of his sorrow. Despite this despair, the singer finds a glimmer of hope and strength in the presence of a significant other, especially during the 'dimming of the day,' a metaphor for the end of a difficult period or the approach of night, when vulnerability is heightened.

The lyrics 'You pulled me like the moon pulls on the tide' and 'You know just where I keep my better side' suggest a deep, almost gravitational connection between the singer and their loved one. This person has a profound influence on the singer, drawing out their best qualities and providing emotional stability. The song also touches on themes of separation and broken promises, as seen in the lines 'What days have come to keep us far apart / A broken promise or a broken heart.' This separation is depicted as a source of pain, yet the singer's yearning for reunion remains strong.

As the song progresses, the singer's desire for companionship becomes more evident. The lines 'Come the night you're only what I want / Come the night you could be my confidant' highlight the need for emotional intimacy and trust. The imagery of seeing the loved one 'on the street in company' and the plea 'Why don't you come and ease your mind with me' further emphasize the longing for closeness. Ultimately, 'Dimming of the Day' is a heartfelt expression of the need for connection and comfort in times of distress, capturing the universal human experience of seeking solace in a loved one during life's darkest moments.