This Time Next Year / Come In Mornin’

Song Meaning

The first part of the song, "This Time Next Year," paints a picture of hopeful anticipation, tinged with a subtle anxiety about the unknown. The repeated phrase "This time next year" acts as a refrain, a marker for a future moment where circumstances might drastically change. The lyrics suggest a potential shift from a state of dimness, where "all the stars grow dim," to one of "trembling glory." This future could involve a new connection, perhaps a romantic one, where "one certain one may turn / Searching for words to say / He's loved you a year and a day." The chorus, "It's near, it's almost here," amplifies this sense of hopeful waiting, though the word "Maybe" introduces a crucial element of uncertainty. The second part, "Come In Mornin'," shifts dramatically in tone and imagery, moving from abstract future possibilities to a grounded, almost defiant embrace of the present. The "house without ceiling or floors" and "no walls" is a striking metaphor for a life lived exposed to the elements, where "it lets in rain and it lets in shine." This vulnerability is met not with despair, but with an invitation: "So I'd take it kindly if today was fine." The narrator is directly addressing the morning and the sun, urging them to "come in" and acknowledging that "This night is done." The craft in "Come In Mornin'" is particularly effective through its personification of natural elements and its stark, open imagery. The idea of the "sky's my roof and it's wearin' thin" is a powerful visual for a precarious existence, yet the narrator extends a warm welcome to "fish in the water and birds in the weather," suggesting a deep connection to the natural world despite the lack of conventional shelter. This acceptance of exposure and the direct plea for a "fine" day create a poignant tension between the desire for stability and the reality of living in an open, unpredictable environment. Ultimately, the song's effectiveness lies in its duality. "This Time Next Year" captures the universal human experience of looking towards an uncertain future with a blend of hope and trepidation, while "Come In Mornin'" offers a powerful counterpoint: a radical acceptance of the present, however exposed, and a resilient spirit that invites the light to enter. The transition from abstract future wishing to concrete present-moment embrace is what makes the lyrical arc so compelling.