Every LIttle Kiss features: Bruce Hornsby (accordion, vocals, piano, synthesizer); George Marinelli (guitar); John Molo (drums, percussion); David Mansfield (guitar)
The premise of this song is how poorer families are broken up when the husband or father has to get a job far away in another town because there are no opportunities at home.
Bruce came up with this idea in the summer of ’85 when there were a lot of stories in the news about steelmills and shipyards shutting down. Around that time he was on the road in a back-up band and got a taste of the longing everybody feels at one time or another when you’re so far away from someone you love.
This song is about the basic longing and about how it gets more intense when you have less control over your life thanks to hard economic times.
John Hornsby
Every Little Kiss meaning of the song
Bruce Hornsby’s song “Every Little Kiss” delves into the emotional turmoil caused by distance in relationships, particularly when external circumstances force separation. The lyrics reflect a longing for connection amid challenging economic realities, a theme that resonates with many individuals and families who have faced similar hardships. The song’s narrative illustrates the sense of isolation felt by those who must leave their loved ones for work, capturing both the physical distance and the emotional yearning that accompanies it.
Cultural context
The song emerged during the 1980s when many industrial jobs, such as those in steel mills and shipyards, were disappearing due to economic shifts. Bruce’s personal experiences during this time—traveling with a backup band and observing the struggles of people in economically strained areas—inform the song’s poignant narrative. The line “Everyone sees the long day through” speaks to the shared experience of working-class individuals who endure long hours, often in jobs that provide little personal fulfilment or stability.
Imagery and references
The imagery in the lyrics conveys the narrator’s feelings of isolation and longing. Phrases like “a thousand miles away” illustrate the vast physical separation that exacerbates emotional distress. The repetition of “What I wouldn’t give for only one night” highlights the desire for closeness and the simple comforts that come from being near a loved one. This yearning for “relief” encapsulates the human desire for companionship, especially during tough times.
“When the day goes down on water town” evokes a sense of place and community, with “water town” potentially representing any town shaped by industry and affected by economic downturns. The mention of the sun setting could symbolise the end of a workday, a time when individuals often reflect on their personal lives and the loved ones they miss. The setting sun becomes a metaphor for the closing of day-to-day struggles, yet it also represents the moments of contemplation and longing that arise when one is alone.
The term “relief” in this context refers to the alleviation of emotional or psychological stress. It captures the longing for a brief escape from the difficulties of separation and the routine of work life. Similarly, “company” refers to companionship or the presence of others, which the singer lacks, intensifying his feelings of loneliness.
Overall, “Every Little Kiss” is a poignant reflection on love, distance, and the impact of economic hardship on personal relationships. Bruce’s ability to weave personal narrative with broader social issues creates a timeless song that resonates with many listeners, emphasizing the universal nature of longing and the need for connection.
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Every Little Kiss
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Williamsport, PA
Band show; soundboard
June 5 1996
Official video:
Live video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iT3UCCgPMc