Till the Dreaming’s Done features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals, synthesizer); George Marinelli (guitar, backing vocals); Peter Harris (mandolin, guitar); John Molo (drums); Joe Puerta (bass, backing vocals).
Till the Dreaming’s Done meaning of the song
Exploring unrequited love
In Till the Dreaming’s Done, Bruce Hornsby delves into the complexities of unrequited love and the bittersweet feelings associated with longing for someone who remains out of reach. The song captures the essence of admiration and desire while highlighting the uncertainty and vulnerability that often accompany such feelings.
The opening lines establish the setting at a “corner cafe,” where the narrator first lays eyes on a girl who captivates him. Describing her as a “wonder,” the narrator indicates that she possesses an almost ethereal quality, elevating her above others in his eyes. His shyness becomes apparent as he admits to sitting “there all night / Too shy to say” anything to her. This conveys a sense of longing combined with hesitation, setting the tone for the narrator’s internal struggle.
The fleeting nature of attraction
The repeated refrain of “Oh my my when she walks on by” encapsulates the enchantment the narrator feels in her presence. The phrase conveys a sense of awe and distraction, suggesting that her beauty leaves him momentarily lost in thought. The uncertainty of whether the feelings are genuine or a mere illusion is expressed in the line, “How can you know if the feelings a lie / When love comes out of the blue?” This reflects the common human experience of questioning the authenticity of emotions, particularly when they arise unexpectedly.
The chorus, with its exploration of direction—”North, south, east, west / Up, down, all around and all the rest”—symbolises the narrator’s willingness to follow his feelings wherever they may lead. It conveys an eagerness to explore the possibilities of a relationship, even when he acknowledges that “of all the girls I’ve loved she’s the best.” This line reveals a sense of nostalgia and the impact she has had on him, even if their paths never truly crossed.
Regret and reflection
The second verse shifts to a reflective tone as the narrator reveals that he “left in the springtime long, long ago.” This line implies a sense of lost opportunity, with the “springtime” symbolising new beginnings and the potential for growth. The mention of her staying alone adds a layer of melancholy, suggesting that both characters may be caught in their own respective regrets.
The lyrics “if things were different / I’d go and show her” express a yearning for what might have been, revealing a desire for connection that was never fully realised. This longing contrasts sharply with the earlier optimism, evoking a sense of wistfulness that permeates the song.
Emotional depth and conclusion
The recurring lines of “till the dreaming’s done” serve as a poignant reminder that the narrator’s dreams and hopes may ultimately be unfulfilled. This phrase encapsulates the tension between aspiration and reality, implying that until a definitive conclusion is reached, the dreaming will persist. The song’s conclusion, with its emphasis on admiration and loss, leaves the listener with a lingering sense of both hope and resignation.
In summary, “Till the Dreaming’s Done” is a heartfelt exploration of unrequited love, reflecting on the beauty and pain of longing for someone unattainable. Through vivid imagery and relatable emotions, Bruce captures the complexity of human relationships and the impact of missed opportunities, reminding us of the enduring nature of dreams and desires.
Your further thoughts
Till the Dreaming’s Done and I Will Walk With You. Here are two love songs which, under normal circumstances, would be highlights for most albums. However, I have grouped them together in a brief review for reasons that will become apparent.
Till the Dreaming’s Done is a daydreamy little song which rests on a simple rhyme: “North, South, East and West, Uptown, downbound and all the rest” It’s a short, sweet, simple song – and seems almost out of place on this album of strongly-held sentiments. In fact, the beauty of the song probably lies in its simplicity. It brings us back down gently, as if in a hot air balloon on a sunny day, after the determined expression which characterises all the previous songs.
I Will Walk with You is a steady love song, stressing the virtues of loyalty and sticking together through thick and thin: “…There’s always another wall, sometimes you feel so small. You could pick me up when I fall, be there when I call…”
The characteristic Hornsby “bonehead” drum rhythm once again sets the pace. Thematically, the song is quite similar to Bruce’s Fields of Gray, written some years later.
Clearly I Will Walk With You, on any other album, would be one of the highlights. Perhaps it would have been on Scenes from the Southside, had it been placed elsewhere on the album. However, its particular position on the Scenes from the Southside setlist means that the song, in the context of the album, can only really be regarded as a mere prologue to The Road Not Taken.
Carwyn Tywyn
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Till the Dreaming's Done
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Oakland, CA
Solo show; soundboard
November 1 1998