Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

The Strawbs' song 'Here Today, Gone Tomorrow' is a poignant reflection on the transient nature of life and beauty. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of decay and impermanence, using powerful imagery to evoke a sense of melancholy. The opening lines describe 'puddly pools' and 'oily traces,' setting a scene of neglect and abandonment. The mention of 'storm clouds scudding past the moon' and 'rusty hinges broken windows' further emphasizes the theme of deterioration and the inevitable passage of time.

The chorus, 'Here today, gone tomorrow / Shadows in the setting sun / Here today, gone tomorrow / Darkness when the day is done,' reinforces the idea that everything is fleeting. The use of shadows and darkness as metaphors for the end of the day and, by extension, the end of life, underscores the song's contemplative mood. The repetition of the phrase 'here today, gone tomorrow' serves as a reminder of life's impermanence and the inevitability of change.

In the second verse, the imagery of a 'broken china doll' and a 'painted porcelain figurine' symbolizes fragile beauty that has been 'loved to death.' This metaphor highlights how even the most cherished and beautiful things are subject to wear and decay. The final verse, with its description of houses tumbling down a hill and a restless dog growling, adds a sense of instability and unease, suggesting that change and decay are not only inevitable but also unsettling.

The Strawbs, known for their blend of folk and progressive rock, use these evocative lyrics to explore themes of impermanence, decay, and the passage of time. The song's haunting melody and reflective tone make it a powerful meditation on the ephemeral nature of life and beauty.