On and On

Stephen Bishop's song 'On and On' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and resilience. The lyrics paint vivid pictures of different characters dealing with heartbreak in their unique ways. The song opens with a scene in Jamaica, where a woman named Lonesome Sue falls in love with Sam, only to find herself in a cycle of emotional turmoil. This metaphor of moving 'from the fire into the frying pan' suggests that her attempts to find love only lead to more pain, yet she continues to try, embodying the song's central theme of perseverance.

The narrative then shifts to Jimmy, who is heartbroken after seeing his woman kiss another man. In his sorrow, he climbs a ladder to 'steal the stars from the sky' and listens to Sinatra, a symbol of classic romance and melancholy. Jimmy's actions reflect a deep sense of loss and longing, yet he too keeps trying, smiling through his tears. This juxtaposition of smiling while feeling like crying underscores the human capacity to endure emotional pain and continue moving forward.

The final verse brings the focus to the narrator himself, who finds solace in the simple pleasures of life despite his own heartbreak. With 'the sun on my shoulders and my toes in the sand,' he chooses to dream and stay positive, tossing up his heart to see where it lands. This imagery of carefree resilience highlights the song's message that life goes on, and so must we. The recurring refrain 'On and on' serves as a mantra for enduring life's ups and downs with a smile, even when it feels like dying inside.