Always on the Bright Side

[Rona]

I have been just loving the "new" songs on Songbook, and I especially love Bright Side. But I am confused about one thing, and wonder if anyone out there has any ideas. The song is mainly directed to "you": "You are like a wish come true, I'm counting on you", "You and me together are a bit of all right", etc. But the refrain goes, "Always on the bright side ...that girl gets friendlier each day." Who? Is he suddenly talking to someone else? To himself? I realize you did not write the song, but suggestions as to what Gordon means are appreciated.

[Auburn Annie]

Don't think it's about or to anyone in particular. From the SONGBOOK liner notes written by Gord:

/11. ALWAYS ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

I wrote a whole bunch of songs in preparation for East Of Midnight. I was alone, on my own, and "uninvolved" for about five years, and as a consequence I was able to write very strongly at that time. We recorded it a couple of times, it got put away, and I hadn't really thought about it until I dug it out of the storage space back in the fall of '98.

[Borderstone]

"You" is whoever can most closely relate to the song. That'd be my guess.

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"A knight of the road,going back to a place where he might get warm." - Borderstone

[Gaby]

I love this song but, like you, I find it ambiguous.
I'm sure he is thinking of a particular woman but not necessarily addressing the song to her.
I don’t even think they have a “proper” relationship, as such. Sex, - Yes. And enjoy being with each other. ………“Feeling good is how we wish to be”…….”Keeps it kind of light”
But then he goes on to say - "You are like a wish come true, I'm counting on you". Does he really know what he wants?
I just imagine him, in a slightly melancholic mood, reflecting to himself on a new relationship.

"Always on the bright side ...that girl gets friendlier each day." – this just sounds like typical male anticipation to me!

Of course, he could have just written it for the money. After all, that is his job! (Heresy?) Except, he didn’t put it on the album.


[This message has been edited by Gaby (edited September 13, 2004).]

[SilverHeels]

I love this song! It's one of my faves - I find it hypnotic and play it on 'repeat' frequently.

[Harmony]

I need to get the Songbook, you know, the one that has four CD's to it. I think that'll be a great way to improve my collection.

[Rona]

Harmony,

You really must get it. You will be amazed, as I was. There are tons of songs never put on albums, there is an incredible book about how Songbook was made, and with Gord's notes about all of the songs. It is worth every penny (or other unit of money, if you are not in the US!)

[jj]

if the blood pressure is ever on the rise, spinning this tune is fine medicine, imo...i feel like i'm hovering about with the steady bass (Tom S, quite the session man )