One More Night by Phil Collins Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Emotion in Eternal Yearnings
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- Lyrics
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Song Meaning
- The Longing for Closure: The Unceasing Wait of ‘One More Night’
- Hanging on the Telephone: The Isolation of Yearning
- A Nautical Notion: Sailing through Emotional Turmoil
- The Dance of Hope and Defeat: Understanding the Song’s Hidden Depths
- Echoes of a Missed Connection: The Song’s Most Memorable Lines
Lyrics
One more night
I’ve been trying, ooh, so long to let you know
Let you know how I feel
And if I stumble, if I fall, just help me back
So I can make you see
Please give me one more night
Give me one more night
One more night, ’cause I can’t wait forever
Give me just one more night, ooh, just one more night
Oh, one more night, ’cause I can’t wait forever
I’ve been sitting here so long
Wasting time, just staring at the phone
And I was wondering should I call you
Then I thought maybe you’re not alone
Please give me one more night, give me just one more night
Oh, one more night, ’cause I can’t wait forever
Please give me one more night, ooh, just one more night
Oh, one more night, ’cause I can’t wait forever
Give me one more night, give me just one more night
Ooh, one more night, ’cause I can’t wait forever
Like a river to the sea
I will always be with you
And if you sail away
I will follow you
Give me one more night, give me just one more night
Oh, one more night, ’cause I can’t wait forever
I know there’ll never be a time you’ll ever feel the same
And I know it’s only words
But if you change your mind, you know that I’ll be here
And maybe we both can learn
Give me just one more night, give me just one more night
Ooh, one more night, ’cause I can’t wait forever
Give me just one more night, give me just one more night
Ooh, one more night, ’cause I can’t wait forever
Phil Collins’ 1985 ballad ‘One More Night’ has become a staple of pop culture, its haunting melody and yearning lyrics capturing the heartache experienced in the throes of love and loss. Amidst the song’s smooth saxophone and Collins’ soulful voice lies an intricate tapestry of human emotion that demands a deeper exploration.
For music aficionados and lyrical savants, ‘One More Night’ remains a testament to Collins’ ability to translate the universal complexities of desire, hope, and regret into a powerful musical narrative. The track, though steeped in the balladry tradition of the ’80s, manages to transcend time with its undiluted raw sentiment.
The Longing for Closure: The Unceasing Wait of ‘One More Night’
The titular phrase ‘One More Night’ is not merely a repetition; it’s the beating heart of the song. It signifies a plea, a last grasp at saving whatever remains of a fading relationship. The insistence of the request suggests an individual on the brink, fully aware that time is running out yet unwilling to relinquish the hope for one final, redemption-filled encounter.
Collins’ layered composition mirrors the depth of his lyrical content. The song’s gentle opening, which grows into an emotionally charged appeal, mirrors the storyteller’s own escalation of feelings. From resignation to desperation, ‘One More Night’ paints a picture of emotional limbo where the protagonist clings to the possibility of reconciliation.
Hanging on the Telephone: The Isolation of Yearning
The imagery of sitting alone, wasting time staring at the phone, encapsulates an era pre-dating the omnipresent digital communication of today, adding a layer of physical distance to the emotional isolation. This detail underlines the solitary aspect of longing, emphasizing that the hardest part of wanting is often the silence and inaction that accompanies it.
The hesitancy to initiate contact reflects a deeper insecurity, a fear of further rejection that is universally relatable. There’s a vulnerability in this admission that speaks to the human condition—a moment captured in song where pride is stripped away and one’s true feelings are laid bare.
A Nautical Notion: Sailing through Emotional Turmoil
The metaphor of the river and the sea becomes a poignant illustration of the protagonist’s emotional currents. With these lines, the listener is invited to consider the broader scope of love’s journey. It’s not only about the desire for physical proximity but also a spiritual and emotional connection that is as vast and eternal as the ocean itself.
This allegory extends further into sentiments of loyalty and commitment. Just as a river is constant in its path towards the sea, so too is the steadfastness of the storyteller’s devotion—even if it means following into uncharted waters.
The Dance of Hope and Defeat: Understanding the Song’s Hidden Depths
Beneath the surface of Collins’ impassioned plea is a dynamic interplay between hope and defeat. The narrative voice recognizes the futility of their request (
This dichotomy is where the song anchors its universal appeal; listeners are drawn into the inner conflict of holding on versus letting go, a theme that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced the complexities of romantic entanglements.
Echoes of a Missed Connection: The Song’s Most Memorable Lines
Collins succinctly captures the essence of yearning with the line ‘Oh, one more night, ’cause I can’t wait forever’. The quintessential paradox of the urgent wait is laid out in this singularly memorable phrase, urging the listener to empathize with the plight of waiting in vain for something that is slipping away.
‘One More Night’ is studded with such lyrical gems that offer a window into the soul. Each line resonates with a certain emotional truth, engaging the listener’s own memories and feelings of longing, making the song an enduring piece of music that continues to connect with audiences across generations.
