Meaning of "Waiting On A Song" by Dan Auerbach

The song "Waiting On A Song" by Dan Auerbach explores the creative process and the frustration that can come with waiting for inspiration to strike. The narrator expresses their constant thinking, humming, picking, and strumming in an effort to create a new song. However, despite their efforts, they are left waiting for that perfect song to come to them. The lyrics suggest that inspiration cannot be forced, but must be allowed to come naturally.

The narrator's experience of waiting for a song is portrayed through vivid imagery. They describe looking down in their pocket, under the bed, and even walking under a lamppost, hoping to find a song. The sense of anticipation is heightened when the lyrics mention being hit on the head by a song, implying that inspiration can come unexpectedly and sometimes with great impact.

The frustration of waiting is emphasized when the narrator questions themselves, wondering if they are blind or too dumb to see the sound surrounding them. It reflects the frustration and self-doubt that often accompanies the creative process, where artists may feel disconnected from their own abilities or unable to tap into their potential. Despite this frustration, the narrator recognizes that songs do not simply appear; they must be sought out and discovered.

The lyrics also touch on the idea that inspiration can be found in unlikely places. The mention of a bluebird or a crow on a cord between two poles symbolizes the potential for inspiration to be found in even the most ordinary or mundane moments. It implies that songs can be drawn from anywhere and that creativity is not limited to specific environments or conditions.

Ultimately, "Waiting On A Song" conveys the message that the creative process cannot be rushed or forced. Instead, it requires patience, openness, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. The song serves as a reminder for artists and creators to trust in the organic flow of inspiration and to embrace the waiting period as an essential part of the journey.