Black Moon

Wilco's song 'Black Moon' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of longing, time, and the passage of life. The lyrics paint a picture of a desolate landscape, both physical and emotional, where the protagonist is in a perpetual state of waiting. The 'black moon' serves as a powerful metaphor for a dark, unchanging presence that looms over the narrator's life, symbolizing a sense of foreboding and endless anticipation.

The opening lines, 'I was always right / About the morning / Okay, I'm an old shoe,' suggest a sense of resignation and acceptance of one's place in the world. The imagery of dancing above a blaze and crawling over black dunes evokes a sense of struggle and perseverance in the face of adversity. This struggle is further emphasized by the recurring theme of waiting, as the narrator repeatedly asks, 'Are you awake now, too?' This question implies a shared experience of longing and a desire for connection, even in the midst of isolation.

The song's references to 'old days re-appear' and 'desert keeps forming' highlight the cyclical nature of time and the inevitability of change. The 'black moon' serves as a constant reminder of the passage of time and the ever-present sense of longing that accompanies it. Wilco's use of vivid, evocative imagery and melancholic tones creates a deeply emotional and introspective experience for the listener, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences of waiting and longing in the face of life's uncertainties.