I've Been Waiting

In 'I've Been Waiting,' Sixpence None The Richer delves into the complex emotions of self-worth, love, and the passage of time. The song opens with the protagonist waiting by the phone, likening the anticipated call to a 'holy grail' for a 'fisher king.' This metaphor suggests a quest for something sacred and elusive, highlighting the importance and rarity of the awaited communication. The ticking of time, compared to a metronome, underscores the relentless passage of time and the pressure it exerts on the protagonist's mind and emotions.

The lyrics then shift to a conversation about a 'heavy blow' dealt in fright, indicating a moment of conflict or misunderstanding. The puzzle piece metaphor illustrates the difficulty of resolving this issue, as the protagonist struggles to find the right fit for the missing piece. This imagery conveys a sense of incompleteness and the challenge of reconciling differences or understanding each other's perspectives. The recurring theme of not being able to 'play them to the beat I hear' or 'put them in the gaps I see' reflects the protagonist's internal struggle to align their actions and feelings with their desired outcomes.

As the song progresses, the protagonist expresses a desire to change who they are, believing that their current self is 'not good.' Despite acknowledging the love they receive, they question its validity, unable to understand why they are loved. This self-doubt and quest for self-improvement are central to the song's emotional core. The imagery of drifting 'like a moth to light' and wandering through a 'land of sorrow' further emphasizes the protagonist's sense of aimlessness and longing. The repeated refrain of not seeing why they should be loved encapsulates the deep-seated insecurity and the ongoing struggle to find self-worth and acceptance.