Sun's Coming Up
Tame Impala
The Dawn of Reflection: Tame Impala's 'Sun's Coming Up'
Tame Impala's 'Sun's Coming Up' is a poignant exploration of loss, reflection, and the passage of time. The lyrics delve into the bittersweet nature of memories and the inevitability of change. The opening lines, 'All those things I ever thought would never end / I think there now all memories since we ran the band,' suggest a nostalgic look back at a time when life seemed more certain and unchanging. The imagery of airplanes swaying and coming in to land symbolizes the end of a journey, reinforcing the theme of closure and transition.
The song also touches on themes of disconnection and the struggle to maintain relationships. The lines, 'And if I've done something, you have to let me go / Think of me as someone, someone that you know,' reflect a plea for understanding and acceptance, even as the speaker feels a growing distance from those around them. The repeated mention of 'Seven A.M., midnight in Dover' serves as a metaphor for the disorienting passage of time and the feeling of being out of sync with the world.
A particularly emotional moment in the song is the reference to the speaker's father, 'Playing his guitar while he's dying of cancer / Oh, my father, why won't you answer?' This line captures the heart-wrenching reality of watching a loved one suffer and the longing for connection and communication. The recurring phrase, 'Sun's coming up now, I guess it's over,' signifies the end of a chapter and the dawning of a new day, filled with uncertainty and the hope for renewal. Tame Impala masterfully blends introspective lyrics with evocative imagery, creating a deeply moving and relatable piece that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.