This Is The Day

The song 'This Is The Day' by The The, a British post-punk band known for their melancholic and introspective lyrics, is a poignant reflection on change, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The lyrics suggest a moment of introspection for the protagonist, who is caught between reminiscing about the past and facing the potential of the present day.

The opening lines paint a picture of someone who has spent the night awake, possibly in contemplation or anxiety, as indicated by the 'whites of your eyes turn red.' The mention of reading old letters and recognizing personal change suggests a longing for the past, yet there's an acknowledgment that it's impossible to return to those times. This bittersweet nostalgia is contrasted with the idea that 'this is the day' when life will change and things will fall into place, implying a sense of hope and the possibility of a new beginning.

The recurring image of pulling back the curtains to let the sunlight in and watching a plane fly across a clear blue sky symbolizes a new perspective and the broadening of horizons. It's a metaphor for opening oneself up to new opportunities and the realization that despite the comfort of the past, life moves forward. The song captures the universal human experience of grappling with the past while trying to embrace the present and the future.