Meaning of "Fly By Night" by George Benson

The lyrics of "Fly By Night" convey a narrative of emotional distance and escapism within a relationship that is teetering on the edge of collapse. This emotional detachment is highlighted in the line "It's hard to say I'm sorry, may we just forget about today," indicating the narrator's avoidance of taking responsibility for their actions and a desire to escape the current circumstances. The phrase "fly by night" is used as a metaphor to describe the narrator's tendency to flee when faced with difficult emotions or conflicts. It signifies their inability or unwillingness to confront and resolve issues, resulting in their partner being left behind. This behavior is characterized by a sense of restlessness and a constant search for something new, suggested by the line "I have no stomach for the dawn, I feel I should be moving on."

The lyrics also touch upon the consequences of this flighty and non-committal behavior. The idea of leaving "used memories" behind implies a string of failed relationships or encounters where the narrator never fully invests emotionally. They move on from one person to the next without creating lasting connections, leaving a trail of former lovers and unresolved emotions in their wake. The mention of "strange figures in the dark" and "the ghosts of love" suggests that these unfinished relationships continue to haunt the narrator, further emphasizing the consequences of their behavior.

Ultimately, "Fly By Night" reflects an internal struggle within the narrator, torn between their desire for freedom and their fear of commitment. The repeated invitation to "fly" at the end of the song represents an urge to escape from the complexities and responsibilities of love altogether. It showcases a cyclical pattern of avoidance and flight, leaving the narrator unable to build and maintain deep connections.