What Will Tomorrow Bring

Song Meaning

Abbey Lincoln's "What Will Tomorrow Bring" isn't just a song; it's a haunting meditation on uncertainty, societal anxieties, and the fragile hope that flickers even in the darkest of times. The opening lines set the stage, depicting a world shrouded in "illusion and fires to be fed," immediately establishing a sense of unease. This isn't naive optimism; it's a seasoned perspective, weary of false promises. The lyrics are less about concrete predictions and more about the aching human need for guidance and healing in a world that often feels chaotic and broken. The question isn't just 'what *will* tomorrow bring,' but also 'what *can* it bring, and are we worthy of it?' Lincoln masterfully uses natural imagery to amplify the song's emotional core. The transition from "mournful old winter" to spring mirrors the longing for renewal and the potential for growth after periods of hardship. The image of "blossoms to heal us" evokes a delicate beauty juxtaposed against the pain of a "world full of trouble." The "tower of Babel is leaning" presents a potent metaphor for societal fragmentation and the breakdown of communication, a theme that resonates deeply in our contemporary landscape. The sax and piano solos act as emotional interludes, wordless expressions of the anxieties and hopes that the lyrics only begin to articulate. They are a searching, yearning, and deeply human counterpoint to the vocal questions. The song's meaning ultimately resides in its unresolved questioning. Lincoln doesn't offer easy answers or platitudes. Instead, she leaves the listener suspended in a state of hopeful uncertainty. The repetition of "What will tomorrow bring?" serves as a constant reminder of the unknown, but also as an invitation to contemplate our own role in shaping the future. The final verse, with its plea for "understanding" and the beginning of "knowing love," suggests that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, the potential for human connection and growth remains. "What Will Tomorrow Bring" is a testament to the enduring power of hope, even when shrouded in doubt.