Don't Wait For Me

The Monkees' song 'Don't Wait For Me' is a poignant exploration of love, regret, and the difficult decisions that come with relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and disappointment, as the narrator reflects on a relationship where he feels he has given more than he received. The opening lines, 'Don't wait for me, I'll be a long time comin' / Unless by then, you have told me something,' set the tone for the song, indicating a sense of unresolved issues and a need for clear communication to salvage the relationship.

The song delves into the emotional turmoil of the narrator, who questions whether he was wrong in his actions and decisions. The lines 'Over and again I've wondered was I wrong / Kept thinkin' that I maybe shoulda come along' highlight his internal conflict and the second-guessing that often accompanies difficult choices in love. This introspection is a common theme in many of The Monkees' songs, reflecting the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

As the song progresses, the narrator acknowledges the necessity of being strong and making tough decisions, even if it means facing the pain of separation. 'But there comes a time in every man's life / When he must be strong / And my time's come' signifies a turning point where the narrator decides to move on, despite the heartache it may cause. The closing lines, 'And if you're gone / Then I guess I'll cry and hold to memories / Of what might have beens,' encapsulate the bittersweet nature of letting go and cherishing the memories of what could have been. The Monkees' blend of heartfelt lyrics and melodic tunes creates a powerful and relatable narrative about love, loss, and the strength to move forward.