Meaning of "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning" by Carly Simon

The lyrics of "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning" express the deep sense of longing and yearning for someone who is no longer present. The opening lines set the time frame of when this longing occurs, from dusk till dawn, in the quiet hours when the whole wide world is fast asleep. The repetition of "you lie awake and think about the boy" emphasizes the focus and preoccupation with this person, despite the inability to sleep. The mention of counting sheep implies that even the usual methods to aid sleep are useless when consumed by thoughts of this person.

The second verse signifies the narrator's willingness to be with this person, expressing that her lonely heart has learned its lesson and that she would be his if he only called. There is a sense of desperation and hope underlying these lines, as if she is hanging on to the possibility of reuniting with him. The repetition of "That's the time you miss him most of all" in both verses solidifies the theme of longing, suggesting that the emotional void intensifies during these early morning hours, when one is left alone to reflect on their feelings.

The song captures the universal experience of heartbreak and the toll it takes on the individual's mind and emotions. The emotions conveyed in Carly Simon's vocals and the melancholic melody further add to the vulnerability and longing embodied in the lyrics. "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning" serves as a reminder of the profound impact someone can have on our lives, even in their absence, and the lasting ache that remains.