Lyrics Interpretations: Another Song

[Rick Henry]

The lyric for "Another Song" was written by long time Carpenters collaborator John Bettis.

What do these lyrics say to you?

Another Song
The moon that rose now descended
And the love once shared now had ended
And soon the day would come


And when the day had come
The light that fell at dawn was cold
The warmth of you had gone
A taste of loneliness
Cut through the earliness
And oh the winds sang of you
Softly they said
All of my favorite dreams were dead
Leaving a cloud of sadness in my head
And though I'm buried in
A sad song of the morning wind
I know the day would bring
Another song for me to sing


But when the day had come
The light that fell at dawn was cold
The warmth of you had gone
Go-o-o-ne

[Rick Henry]

The moon that rose now descended
And the love once shared now had ended
And soon the day would come
It seems that the author (being John Bettis) is saying that "love" happens or happened over night with the moonlight

And when the day had come
The light that fell at dawn was cold
The warmth of you had gone
Now that morning has broken the lover is gone - leaving a cold bed. This makes me wonder - was this a one night stand?

A taste of loneliness
Cut through the earliness
And oh the winds sang of you
Softly they said
All of my favorite dreams were dead
Leaving a cloud of sadness in my head
And though I'm buried in
A sad song of the morning wind
I know the day would bring
Another song for me to sing
Although, the person is sad and lonely since her(his) lover has left this is not the end of the world - hence there is another song to sing. Could this other song be another lover?

But when the day had come the light that fell at dawn was cold
The warmth of you had gone
Go-o-o-ne

This is once more reiterating what was said above

[wisejester7]

I like your interpretation, Rick.

It's funny ... this song often comes into my head when taking my shower in the morning. "I know the day will bring another song for me to sing..."

[Rick Henry]

wisejester7 said:

I like your interpretation, Rick.

It's funny ... this song often comes into my head when taking my shower in the morning. "I know the day will bring another song for me to sing..."

I like that one - very interesting - though, it works - it's a new day coming...

[ps11932]

The interpretations given of a literal love are probably on target (though I'm always open to possible broader applications.) It does seem that the sadness that came with dawn's light over the lost love (whomever or whatever it may be) is tempered by the assumption that someone or something else will come along. But then there comes the realization, perhaps, that this love was "the real thing" and can't be replaced.

I have difficulty considering, in this case, the lyrics apart from the musical mood and arrangement. The first few lines of the song sound pretty upbeat and optimistic; the next, somewhat distrerssed but tempered by hope; the last, totally despairing. The second half of the song is (well done) instrumentals, focusing on drums and sad flutes; almost like a dirge. It seems like the theme is "chaos- life is a wreck!"- edgy; similar to The Carpenters rendition of "Trying To Get The Feeling Again"- outstanding, but with a big part of the excellence being a statement that "this is not a pleasant time" (or song); "this is a fight and struggle right now." (It took a dozen or so listens, over the past two years, for me to appreciate this song- now, in terms of depth, I consider it right up there with "Crescent Noon."

[Rick Henry]

ps11932 said:

The interpretations given of a literal love are probably on target (though I'm always open to possible broader applications.) It does seem that the sadness that came with dawn's light over the lost love (whomever or whatever it may be) is tempered by the assumption that someone or something else will come along. But then there comes the realization, perhaps, that this love was "the real thing" and can't be replaced.

I have difficulty considering, in this case, the lyrics apart from the musical mood and arrangement. The first few lines of the song sound pretty upbeat and optimistic; the next, somewhat distrerssed but tempered by hope; the last, totally despairing. The second half of the song is (well done) instrumentals, focusing on drums and sad flutes; almost like a dirge. It seems like the theme is "chaos- life is a wreck!"- edgy; similar to The Carpenters rendition of "Trying To Get The Feeling Again"- outstanding, but with a big part of the excellence being a statement that "this is not a pleasant time" (or song); "this is a fight and struggle right now." (It took a dozen or so listens, over the past two years, for me to appreciate this song- now, in terms of depth, I consider it right up there with "Crescent Noon."

Very good thoughts O.E.

What a compliment to "Another Song" that you put it right up there with "Crescent Noon". Several Carpenters fans don't care for "Another Song" because of it's chaotic musical jam at the end. I find it to be one of the best songs from the "Close To You" album, primarily for it's dramatic musical arrangement - musically it's one of Carpenters most unique and very best songs.

You are right O.E. the music itself tells as much of the story as the lyrics do.

[wisejester7]

I love the musical finale to "Another Song", because I think it stays true to the Carpenters love of instrumental music ... their roots.