Goin’ On

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of persistent, almost involuntary affection. The narrator wakes up and sees a void in his own reflection, a stark visual for the emptiness left by a departed lover. This isn't a simple case of missing someone; it's a deeper, more unsettling feeling that his love continues to exist despite the physical separation and the acknowledgment that the relationship is over. The repeated phrase "Going on" becomes a mantra for this enduring, unshakeable feeling. The central tension lies in the disconnect between the reality of the breakup and the narrator's internal state. He admits they "couldn't quite make it" and are "living apart," yet his heart refuses to let go. This internal conflict is amplified by the direct questions posed: "Why is my love going on?" It suggests a bewilderment, a lack of control over his own emotions, as if love itself is an independent entity that persists against his will. The most striking aspect is the way the lyrics personify love as an unstoppable force. Phrases like "My mind keeps on reeling" and "My heart keeps on feeling" illustrate how these emotions are physical, almost involuntary reactions. The plea "Awaken me beautiful dreamer" and the desire for a "Redeemer" further emphasize this sense of being trapped by an emotion that has taken over, needing an external force to break its hold. The repetition of "Going on" throughout the song underscores this relentless, unyielding nature of his feelings. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their raw portrayal of emotional inertia. It captures that disorienting state where logic dictates a relationship is finished, but the heart simply refuses to comply. The simple, direct language, coupled with the insistent refrain, creates a powerful sense of longing and confusion that resonates deeply, making the listener feel the narrator's own bewilderment at love's stubborn persistence.