While Jonah is a classically-trained guitarist, his musical talents extend well beyond the realm of strings. Drawing inspiration from a wide array of musicians such as Noah Kahan, Ed Sheeran, Anson Seabra, Julia Michaels, Lost Frequencies, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and Kygo, Jonah creates music meant to transcend genre-norms.
When he's not creating music, Jonah is either escaping into nature, trying to convince someone to let him pet their dog, or watching horror movies.
The Roads
Jonah Kagen Lyrics
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Said, "You′ve been quiet since the day you let her in
And we'd all love to know just where you went
′Cause, honey, you don't look the same
I barely recognize you with that look on your face"
My God, those words are burned into my brain
You showed me I should stop and I ignored it
Oh, I swore to God you'd be important
There′s blisters on my feet
I ran right through my shoes
These roads are changing me
But they all lead back to you
′Cause you're still in my skin
I′ve done all I can do
But I chose to let you in
Now the roads lead back to you
So when they ask me where I've been
I′ll plug the drain and calmly say, "I never left"
And quietly wish we had never met
'Cause that slow pain don′t like to wait
No, it comes quick and then it never fades away
And I lost part of me that day
You showed me I should stop and I ignored it
Oh, I swore to God you'd be important
There's blisters on my feet
I ran right through my shoes
These roads are changing me
But they all lead back to you
′Cause you′re still in my skin
I've done all I can do
But I chose to let you in
Now the roads lead back to you
In "The Roads," Jonah Kagen reflects on the aftermath of a difficult relationship, highlighting the lasting impact it had on him. The opening lines describe how a friend notices the change in him since he allowed this person into his life. The lyrics emphasize a sense of unfamiliarity and the weight of the words that were said, suggesting that the experience left a deep and lasting impression on him.
The second verse delves deeper into the internal struggle Jonah faced. He acknowledges that he knew deep down that he should have stopped or let go of this person, but he ignored those instincts. He mentions that he believed this person would hold significant importance in his life, perhaps hoping that something positive would come out of the relationship despite the difficulties.
The chorus brings forth the physical toll the relationship took on Jonah. He sings about the blisters on his feet, symbolizing the effort and sacrifice he put into trying to make things work. The mention of changing roads signifies a transformative journey he embarked on, but ultimately, he realizes that all these paths lead him back to the person who caused him pain. He admits that despite his best efforts, he can't escape the influence this person still has on him.
Lastly, Jonah reflects on how he would respond when others inquire about his absence. He describes how he will deny ever leaving and express a quiet desire that he had never crossed paths with this individual. The lyrics convey the idea that the pain inflicted by this person was acute and caused him to lose a part of himself. The repetition of the chorus drives home the idea that no matter how much Jonah has tried to move on, he still feels tied to this person and the roads always lead him back to them.
Overall, "The Roads" explores the aftermath of a toxic relationship, delving into feelings of change, regret, and the enduring impact of emotional pain. It portrays the internal struggle of recognizing a toxic situation but ultimately choosing to endure it, leading to a sense of loss and longing for what could have been.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a message from a friend
I received a communication from a friend
Said, 'You've been quiet since the day you let her in
My friend noticed that I became silent when I allowed her into my life
And we'd all love to know just where you went
Everyone is curious about where I disappeared to
′Cause, honey, you don't look the same
Because, my dear, you have changed in appearance
I barely recognize you with that look on your face
I can hardly identify you with that expression on your face
My God, those words are burned into my brain
Goodness, those words are permanently etched in my mind
You showed me I should stop and I ignored it
You demonstrated to me that I ought to cease, yet I disregarded it
Oh, I swore to God you'd be important
Oh, I promised to God that you would be significant
There's blisters on my feet
I have blisters on my feet
I ran right through my shoes
I ran so much that I wore out my shoes
These roads are changing me
These pathways are transforming who I am
But they all lead back to you
However, they all ultimately bring me back to you
′Cause you're still in my skin
Because you are still deeply ingrained within me
I've done all I can do
I have done everything within my power
But I chose to let you in
Yet, I willingly allowed you to enter
Now the roads lead back to you
Now these pathways exclusively guide me back to you
So when they ask me where I've been
Therefore, when people inquire about my whereabouts
I'll plug the drain and calmly say, 'I never left'
I will close off all escape routes and calmly declare, 'I never departed'
And quietly wish we had never met
And silently desire that we had never crossed paths
'Cause that slow pain don't like to wait
Because that gradual agony does not enjoy being patient
No, it comes quick and then it never fades away
No, it arrives swiftly and then it never diminishes
And I lost part of me that day
And I relinquished a portion of myself on that day
You showed me I should stop and I ignored it
You demonstrated to me that I ought to cease, yet I disregarded it
Oh, I swore to God you'd be important
Oh, I promised to God that you would be significant
There's blisters on my feet
I have blisters on my feet
I ran right through my shoes
I ran so much that I wore out my shoes
These roads are changing me
These pathways are transforming who I am
But they all lead back to you
However, they all ultimately bring me back to you
′Cause you're still in my skin
Because you are still deeply ingrained within me
I've done all I can do
I have done everything within my power
But I chose to let you in
Yet, I willingly allowed you to enter
Now the roads lead back to you
Now these pathways exclusively guide me back to you
Writer(s): Jonah Kagen
Contributed by Jordyn B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.