Every Time the Sun Comes Up (Alternate Version)

Song Meaning

Sharon Van Etten's "Every Time the Sun Comes Up (Alternate Version)" isn't a morning anthem; it's a stark confession of recurring anxieties. The repeated line, "Every time the sun comes up, I'm in trouble," acts as a mantra, less a fear of daylight itself and more a dread of facing a new day laden with unresolved issues. It's the psychological weight of responsibility, the aftermath of choices made under the cover of darkness, now illuminated by the harsh light of day. This alternate version strips away some of the original's sonic density, leaving the vulnerability more exposed. The lyrics hint at a complex relationship dynamic. Lines like "I wash your dishes / But I shit in your bathroom" are jarringly honest, illustrating an intimacy laced with irreverence and a certain disregard for boundaries. It's a push-and-pull, a simultaneous act of caretaking and transgression. The casualness of the admission suggests a deeper, perhaps uncomfortable truth about human relationships: we are capable of both nurturing and disrupting those we are closest to. The nonchalant delivery underscores the song meaning: these aren't isolated incidents, but recurring patterns. Van Etten also seems to address external pressures and self-doubt. The line "People say I'm a one-hit-wonder / But what happens when I have two?" is a sardonic jab at critics and the ephemeral nature of success. It's a defense mechanism, a way of acknowledging the precariousness of her position while simultaneously asserting her potential. The fragmented imagery – broken glasses, covered asses, silent reflection – paints a picture of damage control and self-preservation. Ultimately, "Every Time the Sun Comes Up" is a raw and unflinching exploration of anxiety, relationship dynamics, and the struggle to maintain equilibrium in the face of internal and external pressures.