Song Meaning
The lyrics open with a stark contrast, moving from a past of "ruin" to a present where the speaker "know[s] what I'm doing." Yet, this newfound clarity is immediately tempered by a tentative hope: "Got a feeling, I should be doing alright." This sets up a narrative of recovery that feels more aspirational than fully realized.
A core tension emerges from the speaker's uncertainty about the future. They ponder "Where will I be this time tomorrow? Jumped in joy or sinking in sorrow?" This direct question highlights a profound emotional volatility, suggesting that despite current efforts, the path ahead remains precarious. The repeated phrase "Anyway, I should be doing alright" functions as a self-reassurance, a mantra against the looming possibility of despair.
The lyrics introduce a compelling internal conflict through contrasting desires. The speaker "Should be waiting for the sun," implying a readiness for brighter days and open engagement. However, this is immediately undercut by the need to "hide" and "hide away," revealing a simultaneous urge for retreat and protection. This juxtaposition of seeking light and needing shadow powerfully illustrates the complex emotional landscape of someone navigating recovery.
The true punch arrives in the final verse's subtle but significant shift. While the opening verse claims "I know what I'm doing," the closing lines change this to "God knows what I'm doing." This alteration strips away the speaker's initial self-assurance, replacing it with a sense of surrender or perhaps a recognition of forces beyond their control. It makes the repeated "should be doing alright" resonate not as a statement of fact, but as a deeply felt, vulnerable wish for stability.