Waiting For The Joy

The Staves' song 'Waiting For The Joy' delves into the complex emotions of anticipation and disillusionment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels disconnected and adrift, struggling to find meaning and happiness. The opening lines, 'I’ve been asleep for a week / And I don’t know where I’ve been,' suggest a sense of lost time and disorientation, a common feeling in periods of depression or existential crisis. The mention of 'eating greens' hints at a desire for self-improvement and health, yet the speaker feels unable to achieve these simple goals.

The recurring theme of waiting for joy that 'never does' come is a powerful metaphor for the elusive nature of happiness. Despite engaging in activities that should bring pleasure, such as listening to beloved songs, the speaker remains unfulfilled. This sense of futility is further emphasized by the lines 'I'm pushing buttons keeping on the lights / Even doing nothing / I'm not quite doing it right,' which convey a feeling of going through the motions without any real sense of purpose or satisfaction.

The song also touches on themes of isolation and communication breakdown, as seen in the lines 'Sorry I don’t answer the phone' and 'Meant to reply to your message but now / I don’t feel too strong.' These lines reflect the difficulty of maintaining connections with others when one is struggling internally. The repeated plea for guidance, 'Tell me what to do and what to do it for,' underscores the speaker's search for direction and meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. Ultimately, 'Waiting For The Joy' captures the poignant and often painful experience of seeking happiness in a world where it feels perpetually out of reach.