The narrator describes a woman who watches the torches light up the evening sky as the day ends. The woman has a complicated relationship with someone; sometimes she feels like she knows them well, while other times she feels like she knows them very little. They rely on each other for support and catch each other when they fall. The woman is aware that nothing lasts forever, and she tries to hold on to what she has. Fashion and friends come and go in their lives, but they both know that everyone goes down the same road eventually. The woman yearns to break free and escape to where the day meets the night, but for now, she remains loyal to the person she's with, until she finds a stranger lying in her arms.

Meaning of "End of the Day" by Al Stewart

In "End of the Day," Al Stewart captures the bittersweet essence of a relationship that is both familiar and mysterious. The song explores the paradoxical nature of knowing someone intimately while simultaneously feeling like a stranger to them at times. The woman in the lyrics experiences this duality, which is a common aspect of long-term relationships. While she desires freedom and wants to explore new horizons, she remains committed and supportive, symbolizing the sacrifices often made in love. The torches lighting up the western skies represent the passing of time, highlighting the transient nature of life and relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for something more, yet also a deepening understanding that all things must come to an end. Despite the inevitable changes and uncertainties, the woman remains loyal until she encounters a stranger in her arms, hinting at a potential future where she may find a new path or partner.

"End of the Day" serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility and impermanence of human connections. It reflects the struggles that individuals face in maintaining relationships, where familiarity can breed complacency while mystery sustains attraction. The song beautifully captures the push and pull between the desire for freedom and the comfort of companionship. Stewart's lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and contemplation, prompting listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love and the transient nature of time.