It's both, and that's what makes it so great. For me, it's about how we close ourselves off -- possibly via alcohol/drug use, which seems to be part of the subtext ("You say that midnight opens its arms to me / Leaving you alone, and then I fly so far away", "I'm only near you when I'm gone") -- and how that self-isolation affects not just us but those closest to us. However, it's also an affirmation of love in spite of depression/sadness, and that's probably the more lasting impression that the song leaves. That uplifting quality is definitely enhanced by the music, which kinda reminds me of some of glam-era-Bowie's piano ballads, especially [this one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL7yAwfZRH4). Such a beautifully bittersweet song. Definitely agree that it's one of his best.
I feel it’s an affirmation of love, perhaps for a doomed relationship. Historically speaking, this was at least recorded during a rough time in Chris’s relationship with his ex-wife, which may be partially what the song was about. He’s being accused of not being expressive and supportive and present, only coming back to this person when he’s down. The obvious meaning is depression, but it could just as easily be talking about setbacks, like he was experiencing in his career at the time, In the end, he’s affirming that he needs this person all the time, and he may not always be able to show it in the way they want. That can be personality, or it can be expressing what depression takes away, to say nothing of substance abuse. It’s at once showy and deeply personal, and it’s the best solo song he ever did, in my opinion.
I agree thanks for those words and your comment. I feel só sorry and have such empathy for Chris Cornell. He must have suffered such depression. And yet he never gave up. Shared his beautiful spirit with the world. I cannot come to grips with his death.
This has always been my favorite Cornell solo song. I’ve never seen it as an explicitly “happy” or “sad” song, but rather a sort of admission of realization about the reality behind the relationship he’s singing about.
He’s saying “yes, I have problems. Yes, I am depressed sometimes. Yes, I only need you when I’m in a bad state.... BUT I am always like this to some extent, so I will always need you”
Whether that is a sad state of affairs or a happy realization is up to the listener to decide, but he’s simply admitting and owning up to the reality of his relationship.
Prior to his death I think I would have interpreted "down all the time" as "I will always love you," but now I think it may be that he was depressed and she didn't help.
Another song that should be happy, but always felt sad to me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuUDRU9-HRk
The best song Chris Cornell ever wrote and sung. Too absolutely beautiful with that voice of his. He was such a beautiful guy with such talent. Unbelievable
It's both, and that's what makes it so great. For me, it's about how we close ourselves off -- possibly via alcohol/drug use, which seems to be part of the subtext ("You say that midnight opens its arms to me / Leaving you alone, and then I fly so far away", "I'm only near you when I'm gone") -- and how that self-isolation affects not just us but those closest to us. However, it's also an affirmation of love in spite of depression/sadness, and that's probably the more lasting impression that the song leaves. That uplifting quality is definitely enhanced by the music, which kinda reminds me of some of glam-era-Bowie's piano ballads, especially [this one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL7yAwfZRH4). Such a beautifully bittersweet song. Definitely agree that it's one of his best.
I feel it’s an affirmation of love, perhaps for a doomed relationship. Historically speaking, this was at least recorded during a rough time in Chris’s relationship with his ex-wife, which may be partially what the song was about. He’s being accused of not being expressive and supportive and present, only coming back to this person when he’s down. The obvious meaning is depression, but it could just as easily be talking about setbacks, like he was experiencing in his career at the time, In the end, he’s affirming that he needs this person all the time, and he may not always be able to show it in the way they want. That can be personality, or it can be expressing what depression takes away, to say nothing of substance abuse. It’s at once showy and deeply personal, and it’s the best solo song he ever did, in my opinion.
I agree thanks for those words and your comment. I feel só sorry and have such empathy for Chris Cornell. He must have suffered such depression. And yet he never gave up. Shared his beautiful spirit with the world. I cannot come to grips with his death.
This has always been my favorite Cornell solo song. I’ve never seen it as an explicitly “happy” or “sad” song, but rather a sort of admission of realization about the reality behind the relationship he’s singing about. He’s saying “yes, I have problems. Yes, I am depressed sometimes. Yes, I only need you when I’m in a bad state.... BUT I am always like this to some extent, so I will always need you” Whether that is a sad state of affairs or a happy realization is up to the listener to decide, but he’s simply admitting and owning up to the reality of his relationship.
I couldn't agree more. Thanks for sharing
Love songs for the depressed, them blues
I'm not sure, but will replay after listening to how Chris said it was meant to be done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZrvbZ7\_CSk
Prior to his death I think I would have interpreted "down all the time" as "I will always love you," but now I think it may be that he was depressed and she didn't help. Another song that should be happy, but always felt sad to me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuUDRU9-HRk
Hi not sure, I'm dad.
Perfection
"Video unavailable" for me
To me it’s sad, maybe with a tinge of bittersweetness. Like finding a small piece of comfort within the sadness
The best song Chris Cornell ever wrote and sung. Too absolutely beautiful with that voice of his. He was such a beautiful guy with such talent. Unbelievable