Its cynicism of the blank commercial world (hear the album version's grinding introduction: it depicts an almost Nazi-slave-like imprisonment), is incredible. This topic is something so prevalent in my outlook on commerce in general (just read Economics at degree level), that I cannot but love it for that fact alone.
But much much more importantly, this song demonstrates that life is something to be shared and is not something to be lived alone.
To paraphrase: "The flowers in the garden, the wine," [...], "What does it matter if there's no one here to share?"
Nothing matters in life if there's no one to share the day-to-day experiences of life with.
I am in this state. There is no one here to share. Who cares right? Yeah, I know, no one. I post in vain.
(I also am fully aware there's an undertone to this song, one which doesn't apply in my case. Those familiar will understand what I mean.)
"A Red Letter Day"
Go to work and take your calls
Hang the fruits of your labour on the walls
Such precision and care
What does it matter if there's no one here to share
The flowers in the garden, the wine
The Waiting For Godot and so much modern time?
All I want is what you want
I'm always waiting for a red letter day
The years perfecting a stance
Of measured cool fade into insignificance
The moment one starts to understand
What on earth does it profit a man?
All I want is what you want
I'm always waiting for a red letter day
For something special, somehow new
Someone saying "I love you"
I'm waiting for that red letter day
You can sneer or disappear
Behind a veneer of self-control
But for all of those who don't fit in
Who follow their instincts and are told they sin
This is a prayer for a different way
All I want is what you want
I'm always waiting for a red letter day
Like Christmas morning when you're a kid
Admit you love me and you always did
I'm hoping for that red letter day today
Stephen
"You can sneer or disappear."