Meaning of "If You're Gone" by The Byrds

The lyrics of "If You're Gone" by The Byrds reflect the idea of dependence and reliance on a significant other for emotional fulfillment and purpose. The repetition of "If I" in the lyrics suggests a conditional nature of love and happiness, where the narrator's feelings are contingent upon the presence of the other person. The contrast between the darkness of night when the person is present and the daylight when they are gone symbolizes the impact this individual has on the narrator's life. The vulnerability and need for companionship are highlighted in the lines "then I know I will need someone" and "there is nothing that remains" when the person is no longer there. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of longing and incompleteness when separated from a loved one, reflecting the universal human desire for connection and intimacy.