Walk in the Sun features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals, synthesizer); Jimmy Haslip (bass); John Molo (drums); J.T. Thomas (organ); Debbie Henry (backing vocals); John Dearth (trumpet); Bobby Read (saxophone), Levi Little (vocals); David Hollister (vocals); Pat Metheny (guitar).
Walk in the Sun meaning of the song
Unrequited love and longing
In “Walk in the Sun,” Bruce Hornsby explores themes of unrequited love, longing, and the complexities of relationships in an unconventional setting. The song is narrated from the perspective of Vernon James, a character who observes the interactions at a strip club where his girlfriend works. Through his eyes, the listener gains insight into the emotional landscape of someone caught between desire and despair.
The opening lines introduce Vernon, who lives “to the south of town” and spends his time “watching the women go round and round.” This imagery sets the stage for a world filled with fleeting encounters and superficial connections. While some patrons seek love, others pursue fantasy, highlighting the varying motivations behind their visits to the club.
The experience of observation
Vernon’s role as an observer is further emphasised in the line, “I’m taking tickets and watching the men always looking down.” This suggests a feeling of isolation and objectification, as he feels akin to “an animal in the zoo.” His perception of the patrons, who “don’t look him in the eye,” reinforces his alienation. The focus on the “girls inside” contrasts with his own invisibility, illustrating the dynamics of the environment and the emotional toll it takes on him.
The chorus, featuring the repeated plea, “Someone come, come my someone / Take the clouds from my eyes,” conveys a deep yearning for connection and clarity. This line serves as a metaphor for hope and the desire for a brighter future, suggesting that he seeks solace and understanding from his girlfriend. The notion of “walking in the sun” signifies a longing for a life beyond the confines of the strip club, where love and companionship can flourish.
Desire for change
The lines “Some people come here for love / Some come for curiosity” encapsulate the varied intentions of the club’s visitors. This contrast suggests a sense of resignation on Vernon’s part, acknowledging that their motivations may not align with his own. However, he maintains hope that they will eventually “figure out a way” to overcome their circumstances and create a meaningful connection.
The repeated emphasis on the phrase “I know that sometime soon / One day we’ll walk in the sun” reinforces the notion that a brighter future is attainable. It reflects a persistent optimism amidst the struggle, embodying the desire for a life filled with love and fulfillment rather than confinement and longing.
The complexity of relationships
Throughout the song, Bruce captures the complexity of relationships in an environment often viewed as seedy or objectifying. By presenting Vernon’s perspective, he humanises the struggles faced by those involved in the world of adult entertainment. The character’s feelings of love and devotion for his girlfriend add depth to the narrative, revealing the emotional turmoil that arises from their unconventional circumstances.
In summary, “Walk in the Sun” is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the longing for connection within an unconventional setting. Through Vernon’s eyes, Bruce Hornsby captures the emotional struggles faced by those navigating complex relationships, ultimately leaving listeners with a sense of hope for a brighter future filled with love and understanding.
Your further thoughts
Amanda says: I’ve got some pet theories of my own about it, and thought I’d take the opportunity to share them. I think it’s along the same lines as Down the Road Tonight – a man in love with a woman whose profession is, well, not exactly socially acceptable. In this case she’s probably a stripper. “Watching the men always looking down,” “No one looks me in the eye/They save it for the girls inside.” However, this time the girl actually loves him back, I think. “I don’t much care what they see/I know she saves it all for me.”
Maybe he even runs the strip show, since he’s the one taking tickets. What really gets me with this one is the contrast between the lyrics and the music itself – it seems like such a light, happy, fluffy Hornsby tune, but the message (at least the way I interpret it) is really pretty heavy. Anyhow, that’s my theory.
Elyce adds: Vernon James is the man who works in the ticket booth at a strip club. I think his girlfriend is one of the strippers. He is not bothered that all these men are paying to oggle his lady, because at the end of the night she comes to get him and they go home together ( I don’t much care what they see/ I know she saves it all for me”).
The reference to “someday I’ll walk in the sun” may have to do with the fact that in this job, no one sees him. (“No one looks me in the eye/ they save it for the girls inside”) and/ or perhaps they think he is just some loser because of his job. He knows that he (and his lady) won’t be doing this forever, and one day they will be free to walk together in public, with heads held high.
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Walk in the Sun
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Morristown, NJ
Solo show; audience recording
April 12 1999