Meaning of "The Days Have Turned" by John Frusciante

"The Days Have Turned" explores themes of alienation, disappointment, and self-realization. The opening lines convey a sense of isolation as the days have turned away from the protagonist, symbolizing a loss of time and opportunity. The lights no longer shining on their head suggests a loss of attention or admiration from others. The line "people turn away from me, no more do they look to me with respect" further emphasizes this sense of abandonment and loss of status.

The protagonist's realization that their perception of life was misguided is highlighted with the refrain "Well, I know now, it was the first time that was fun, now from life I've resigned." This suggests that they look back on a particular experience or time in their life as being fun and meaningful but now see it as misguided or unfulfilling. This realization leaves them feeling resigned and detached from life.

The lyrics also allude to the protagonist's struggle with understanding and navigating life. They express a feeling of being crowded and overwhelmed, possibly by the expectations and uncertainties presented by others. The line "there's riddles in the shadows, they're thrown the way that I'd expect" suggests that they anticipate challenges and difficulties but still struggle to decipher their meaning. This adds to their feelings of confusion and disillusionment.

The closing lines of the song portray a yearning for change and the desire to start anew: "I'm searching for what it means to never be anything, and I know now it's the first time that was fun, now from life I've resigned." The protagonist seeks a deeper understanding of their existence and seeks a life where they can be someone or find purpose. This sense of resignation reflects a feeling of hopelessness, suggesting a longing for a fresh start or a different perspective.

Overall, "The Days Have Turned" captures the emotions of someone grappling with isolation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in their life. It conveys a sense of resignation towards their current circumstances and a longing for a new beginning.