Meaning of "One Stage Before" by Al Stewart

"One Stage Before" delves into the concept of time as cyclical and repetitive. The narrator's sense of déjà vu while performing on stage speaks to the idea that life may be a series of repetitions, with individuals playing similar roles over and over again. The mention of ghost-like faces in the audience and the feeling of having met before adds an eerie and mystical element to the song, suggesting a continuity of existence that transcends the present moment. The references to past lives, as hinted at in phrases like "a thousand years ago" and "some play in Paris or Madrid," evoke a sense of reincarnation and the interconnectedness of individuals across time. The idea of music and performance as a means to reach out to others, despite barriers and secrecy, reinforces the theme of human connection in the face of an infinite and unknowable universe. Ultimately, "One Stage Before" invites listeners to contemplate the eternal nature of existence and the possibility of finding meaning and connection in the face of endless repetition.