Til Daybreak by J MICHAELS & THE WANNA-BE-A BAND becomes an e motional and sentimental interpretation of the concepts of love, absence, and sacrifice. The lyrics of the song eloquently re-create the scenario of a clandestine meeting between two people destined for separation. J MICHAELS renders the song from the soul, the quiet of the pre-departure night, when every minute becomes bigger. The moments of quiet, like getting the feel of another human being’s respiration or hugging, are written in gentle, truthful words, which make the listener appreciate the volume of the farewell.

There is so much tension in the song. J MICHAELS clarifies exactly how much it has to be to abandon someone whom he so greatly cherishes, if only partially, as he can’t be held liable for where he’s going and where he’s bound. The concept of slung bags shoulders and door walked out of the great unknown, winching in pain and guilt, gives the words so much strong emotion. It’s not home they are walking out of, it’s love, albeit temporary.

Singing it saying “I love you” through the phone and the satellite puts us side by side in perspective of how far apart connection is from physical presence. But amidst it all, the message clutches at hope and warmth. The refrain of hugging and seeing an angel repeatedly gives the song the emotional core. It reveals how J MICHAELS perceives his lover as his anchor, his why-he-came-back, as much as his calm.

“Til Daybreak” strikes the perfect balance of strength and weakness. The language is simple yet of high depth of emotion, and the listener can be conscious of the fear, the desire, the love all at the same time. It’s a lovely homage to the people we leave behind and the love we carry with us as we leave.