Meaning of "Tomorrow Is A Long Time" by Nickel Creek

The lyrics of "Tomorrow Is A Long Time" capture the profound longing and yearning that comes with the absence of a loved one. The singer opens with the contemplation that if today was not endless and if tonight was not filled with uncertainty, then the feeling of loneliness would hold no significance. The repetition of the phrase "If tomorrow wasn't such a long time" emphasizes the agony of waiting and the excruciating slowness of time passing in the absence of love.

The lyrics then delve into the yearning for the narrator's "own true love" to be present. The longing intensifies as they imagine hearing their love's heartbeat, experiencing the comfort and security of their presence. The narrator's desire to lie in bed once again next to their love highlights the depth of the emotional and physical connection they crave.

The song continues with reflections on the narrator's own sense of self-identity. They express the inability to see their reflection in the waters, symbolizing a feeling of disconnectedness and loss of self in the absence of their love. The inability to speak and the absence of echoes and memories of their own presence further emphasize the emptiness and desolation they feel without their love.

The final verse shifts focus to the beauty that surrounds them, specifically mentioning the "silver singing river" and the sunrise in the sky. However, they acknowledge that even the natural beauty of the world pales in comparison to the beauty they remember in their true love's eyes. This emphasizes the profound impact and importance of love in their life, suggesting that it surpasses all other forms of beauty and brings incomparable joy and contentment.

In essence, "Tomorrow Is A Long Time" highlights the transformative power of love and the emotional depth of longing and loneliness. It encapsulates the universal experience of yearning for a loved one and the belief that their presence holds the key to happiness and fulfillment.