One Day Like This
from 
theidiot
Elbow – 2008 The Seldom Seen Kid
Stanza 1
___ Drinking in the morning sun Blinking in the morning sun Shaking off the heavy one Heavy like a loaded gun
welcome to the day-celebrating the light just waking up to light; literal or metaphorical; acceptance of a new circumstance? Something: drink, emotional pain, an argument, not gonna hold him down whatever it was, it was/is serious; major lines crossed-accepting reality.
Stanza 2
What made me behave that way? Using words I never say I can only think it must be love Oh, anyway, it's looking like a beautiful day
Regret. Was his honesty a mistake? Or just behavior out of character. Emotion overwhelmed him, or alcohol. Embarrassment from crossing all the lines. Ringing bells he can’t stop reverberating from. Confession? Divulging something he swore he'd always keep to himself. Not an apology per se, but owning his actions. Acceptance of true feeling; realizing the power it has to move him. Regardless, he acknowledges that it may be for the best, it's going to be great.
Stanza 3
Someone tell me how I feel It's silly wrong but vivid right Oh, kiss me like the final meal Yeah, kiss me like we die tonight
He's scared. Of the power that's overwhelming him. He's asking for a guide. Logically foolish, but emotionally wise. Paradox. Don't hold back, treat this like it's our last night on earth. Where else can he go? What else can he lose? Life is fleeting, seize the moment or die trying. Not, 'eat drink and be merry', but 'make something to remember'. Love should be held fast.
Stanza 4
Cause holy cow, I love your eyes And only now I see the light Yeah, lying with me half awake Oh, anyway, it's looking like a beautiful day
Sweet and innocent declaration; intensity and honesty of a child. He decided to just lean in, what’s the point on being coy? This moment is revelation; maybe he's been here before, but it's hitting different now. A quiet, intimate moment together; the ultimate coupling moment. Repeating the anticipation that this new circumstance will be great.
Stanza 5
When my face is chamois-creased If you think I'll wink, I did Laugh politely at repeats Yeah, kiss me when my lips are thin
This love is so great, even getting old doesn't diminish it. A little flirt, because the years don't diminish their playfulness. None of us have new material, but when we're in love, we're happy to entertain the same old boring stories. The fullness of our faces fades, but that doesn't mean desire or beauty does.
Stanza 6
Cause holy cow, I love your eyes And only now I see you like Yeah, lying with me half awake Stumbling over what to say Well, anyway, it's looking like a beautiful day
Still childish enthusiastic. After all this time, the love still lets him see her in new light, new eyes, new ways. He's at a loss for words—swelling with adoration. They just keep getting better, don't they dude?
Coda / Chorus:
Throw those curtains wide! One day like this a year'd you see me right Throw those curtains wide! One day like this a year'd we'll sing it right
Every morning (well, most of them) are like living that first morning together. He's eager to have that feeling again. The moment is so grand, it's all it take to sustain him for a whole year. He's not greedy, just happy. Repetition for emphasis, this is a powerful emotion.
One Day Like This is a gorgeous song.
Not just musically, but thematically as well. The idea of love redeeming us, finding those moments and living in them indefinitely is profound. If two people can find that one person that can 'see me right' by a night and morning together, their lives will thrill. There will be tough times. But they'll have that connection that most lose with time.
The writer is honest with his struggles and how they ultimately are overcome with the support of another person. We need each other more than anything else. Maybe more than food.
It is an anthem for savoring the moment. Engaging and letting the good stuff happen. We don't always have to manage and manipulate. Just enjoy.
#music #oxsx #journal #essay #love #poetry