Song Meaning
Bryan Ferry's "This Is Tomorrow" isn't a straightforward anthem; it's a melancholic postcard from the edge of longing. The lyrics paint a picture of someone caught between the mundane present and the tantalizing promise of something more. The recurring phrase, "This is tomorrow callin'," acts as both an invitation and a taunt. Is it a genuine opportunity, or just a siren song luring the protagonist further into dissatisfaction? The setting is crucial: lonely motel rooms, railway stations, and the open road—places of transience and in-between spaces. These backdrops amplify the feeling of being perpetually on the cusp of change, never quite arriving. The 'sweet' voice heard acts as a counterpoint to the 'ceilin' blues', suggesting a yearning for connection amid personal isolation.
The song's genius lies in its ambiguity. The 'tomorrow' being called upon isn't necessarily a utopian future. It could represent escape, reinvention, or simply a different state of mind. The line "what have I to lose?" hints at a deep-seated restlessness, a willingness to gamble on the unknown even if the odds aren't favorable. The 'wailin' whistle' of the train further underscores this sense of movement and potential departure. Ferry juxtaposes the allure of the future with a critique of the present, describing a life lived 'old-fashioned, high-toned, fancy free' yet ultimately unfulfilling. This contrast highlights the internal conflict driving the song: the tension between tradition and innovation, comfort and risk.
Ultimately, "This Is Tomorrow" is a song about the human condition—our eternal quest for meaning and purpose. The lyrics subtly suggest that the real 'tomorrow' isn't some distant destination, but rather a state of mind that can be accessed in the present. The call to 'stick a new oar in' is a call to action, urging listeners to take control of their own destinies rather than passively waiting for a better future to arrive. The song's beauty is in its understated sense of hope, even amidst the pervasive feeling of longing. It's a reminder that tomorrow is always calling, and it's up to us to decide whether or not to answer.
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