Meaning of "Waiting All Night" by Phish

The lyrics of "Waiting All Night" convey a sense of longing, regret, and loss. The repetition of waiting all night emphasizes the persistence of the narrator's feelings of loneliness and anticipation for the other person's return. The questioning of what went wrong and the apologies expressed suggest that the narrator is grappling with their own faults or actions that led to the separation. The imagery of the sun rising as the person is still holding on to hope highlights the passage of time and the reality of the situation sinking in. The final lines, urging the other to sail on, reflect an acceptance of the situation and a resignation to the fact that the relationship may be over. Overall, the lyrics capture the emotional rollercoaster of waiting, regret, and acceptance in the face of loss.