Days Ahead is from the Flicted album released 2022.
Features: Bruce Hornsby (piano,, vocals); Danielle Haim (vocals); Gibb Droll (guitar); J.V. Collier (bass); John Mailander (violin); Chad Wright (drums, woodblock, percussion); Ethan Gruska (zuzz), Rob Moose (violin, viola, octave viola)
Days Ahead meaning
“Days Ahead” reflects themes of hope, resilience, and anticipation for better times, particularly in the context of difficult or isolating experiences. The lyrics convey a sense of optimism that brighter, more connected days will come, despite current challenges. This sentiment is especially poignant when viewed through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it captures the universal longing for a return to normality and human connection.
The theme of isolation
The song opens with a description of being “caught here in my small square,” which evokes confinement, both physical and emotional. This could be a metaphor for lockdowns or quarantine, where people were literally confined to small spaces, but it also speaks to emotional isolation in relationships. The line “You love me but we need some air” suggests that while love is present, the constraints of the situation are straining the relationship.
The lyric “I’ve never felt alone so much” further emphasises this sense of disconnection, highlighting how even in close quarters, individuals can feel distanced from one another. This feeling of isolation is balanced by the hopeful refrain in the chorus, “There will be days ahead / I’m pretty sure / Brightening lighter rays / In this world,” where Bruce expresses optimism that better times are coming.
The anticipation of better days
The chorus centres on the belief that brighter, happier days lie ahead. The repetition of “I’m pretty sure” conveys a cautious but steady optimism. The phrase “Brightening lighter rays in this world” is symbolic of hope breaking through, much like the sun emerging after a storm. This line captures the universal desire for a return to normal life after a period of darkness or difficulty.
This anticipation of future relief is reflected again in the lyrics “Wait and wait, when this is done / Days to come, anticipating days ahead.” The repetitive nature of the waiting reflects the slow passage of time during difficult periods, but the belief that “good times await” offers a sense of comfort and motivation to endure.
Cultural references and reflections on the pandemic
Lines like “This all too shall pass away” echo the idea of impermanence, a phrase often used in difficult times to remind people that hardship is temporary. The reference to this phrase sounding “like a stale, stale sermon” might suggest that while such sentiments can feel overused, they still hold truth and relevance.
The song’s references to confinement and isolation, particularly the metaphor of being “unconfined,” strongly resonate with the experiences of the pandemic. Many listeners may connect this song with the period of lockdowns, where relationships and daily life were strained by enforced isolation and uncertainty. The hope expressed in the lyrics that “as we emerge unconfined” there will be reconnections and renewed love speaks to the collective anticipation of returning to life after the pandemic.
Love and emotional expression
Amid the anticipation for better days, “Days Ahead” also touches on the speaker’s realisation about the depth of his feelings. The lines “As time goes on I’ve come to see / How much these days have meant to me” reflect a newfound appreciation for the time spent together, despite its challenges. The speaker acknowledges that “my feelings aren’t always vocal,” suggesting that even though these emotions are not always outwardly expressed, they are deeply felt.
The conclusion that “My love for you is total” expresses a clear and profound commitment, signalling that despite the struggles, the speaker’s feelings remain steadfast. This reinforces the song’s underlying message of hope—not only for better days ahead but also for strengthened connections and deeper emotional understanding.
“Days Ahead” is a song of optimism and resilience in the face of adversity. Through its reflections on isolation, love, and the anticipation of better times, Bruce captures the universal experience of enduring difficult moments with the hope that brighter days will come. The song’s relevance to the pandemic, with its themes of confinement and the desire for reconnection, makes it especially resonant for listeners who have lived through similar experiences. The combination of emotional introspection and forward-looking hope makes “Days Ahead” a powerful expression of resilience and optimism.