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Sauget Wind
Uncle Tupelo Lyrics


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It's a long way to heaven

It's a short way to hell

Painkillers won't help

When the weight's not yourself



They're poisoning the air

For personal wealth

It's a long way to heaven

It's a short way to hell



I don't know what I'm breathing for

'Cause the air around here ain't so good anymore

The weatherman says fair

But he looks like a lie



Nothing's free in this country

And there's no place to hide, no more



Industrial wind

It blows from the west

It'll burn out your eyes

And suck out your breath



It's waiting in the wings

For damage down the line

Save your tears for the soaps

Leave your money behind



I don't know what I'm breathing for

'Cause the air around here ain't so good anymore

The weatherman says fair

But he looks like a lie



Nothing's free in this country

And there's no place to hide, no more



No place to hide, no more

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Uncle Tupelo's song Sauget Wind are a social commentary on the poisonous effects of industrialization and pollution on our environment. The opening lines of the song, "It's a long way to heaven, it's a short way to hell" suggests the stark contrast between the heaven, which is the ideal state of being, and hell, which signifies misery and suffering. Painkillers won't help when the weight on one's soul is caused by external factors such as pollution and environmental degradation.


The song highlights the fact that industrialization has come at a great cost to our environment. The line "They're poisoning the air for personal wealth" indicates that the industrialists, who are responsible for pollution, are driven by personal financial gains, causing irreparable damage to the environment. The singer's frustration is further evident when he says, "I don't know what I'm breathing for, 'cause the air around here ain't so good anymore."


The lyrics are a wake-up call for people to acknowledge the alarming situation of our environment and take action to curb pollution. The short and concise chorus "Nothing's free in this country, and there's no place to hide, no more" emphasizes that the consequences of pollution are inescapable and impact not only the present but also the future generations.


Line by Line Meaning

It's a long way to heaven
Achieving true success is a difficult journey that requires hard work and perseverance.


It's a short way to hell
Making the wrong choices in life can lead to personal destruction and misery.


Painkillers won't help
Masking the stinging pain of reality with temporary fixes won't improve the situation in the long run.


When the weight's not yourself
External factors like social status, career expectations or environmental pollution can negatively affect mental and physical health.


They're poisoning the air
Profit-driven corporations are polluting the environment with harmful toxins and chemicals, without regard for the health of people and wildlife.


For personal wealth
Companies are prioritizing their own profits and gain over the safety and wellbeing of individuals and communities.


I don't know what I'm breathing for
Uncertainty and confusion arise when the air around us is polluted and unhealthy, affecting our physical and mental health.


'Cause the air around here ain't so good anymore
Environmental degradation and pollution have led to a decline in air quality, posing a risk to human life and the planet.


The weatherman says fair
People in positions of authority, like the media, can be unreliable and provide false information when it comes to important issues, like climate change.


But he looks like a lie
The appearance of credibility and trustworthiness can be deceiving, and actions speak louder than words.


Nothing's free in this country
People are often forced to pay a high price or endure harsh consequences for basic necessities, like healthcare, education or a clean environment.


And there's no place to hide, no more
The negative effects of pollution and climate change are becoming increasingly apparent and inescapable, leaving no escape from their consequences.


Industrial wind
The industrialization of society, which prioritizes economic growth at the expense of the environment and human health, is like a harmful force of nature.


It blows from the west
The harmful effects of industrialization are spreading from one region to another, affecting communities located miles away from the source of pollution.


It'll burn out your eyes
Industrial pollution can lead to physical and emotional harm, causing harm and misery in the lives of individuals and communities.


And suck out your breath
Environmental degradation and pollution of the air, water, and soil can harm respiratory systems, causing lung diseases and other health problems.


It's waiting in the wings
The harmful effects of pollution may not be immediately apparent, but they will surface in the future and harm future generations.


For damage down the line
The consequences of environmental pollution will be felt for years to come and may cause irreversible damage to the environment and human life.


Save your tears for the soaps
Don't waste your time and energy on trivial matters, but rather focus on resolving serious issues like environmental degradation and pollution.


Leave your money behind
Money can't solve all problems, especially those caused by environmental pollution and degradation. It's important to focus on sustainability and preserving the environment for future generations.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAY FARRAR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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