Four Strong Winds
Neil Young Lyrics
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I got some friends that I could go to working for
Still I wish you'd change your mind,
If I asked you one more time
But we've been through this a hundred times or more
Four strong winds that blow lonely, seven seas that run high
All those things that don't change, come what may
If the good times are all gone, and I'm bound for moving on
I'll look for you if I'm ever back this way.
If I get there before the snow flies, and if things are looking good
You could meet me if I sent you down the fare
But by then it would be winter, not too much for you to do
And those winds sure can blow cold way out there
Four strong winds that blow lonely, seven seas that run high
All those things that don't change, come what may
If the good times are all gone, so I'm bound for moving on
I'll look for you if I'm ever back this way.
Still I wish you'd change your mind,
If I asked you one more time
But we've been through that a hundred times or more
Four strong winds that blow lonely, seven seas that run high
All those things that don't change, come what may
If the good times are all gone, and I'm bound for moving on
I'll look for you if I'm ever back this way.
I'll look for you if I'm ever pass this way
Neil Young's song "Four Strong Winds" speaks of a man's desire to move on from his current situation and start on a new journey. The song opens with the singer's plans to travel to Alberta, where he has friends who can offer him work. However, despite his apparent excitement for the opportunity ahead, the singer confesses that he wishes his companion could change her mind and join him. He acknowledges that they have had this conversation many times before, but laments that he cannot convince her to follow him.
The bridge of the song features the titular phrase "four strong winds that blow lonely, seven seas that run high," which serve as metaphors for the unchanging nature of the world and its ability to keep people apart. Despite the changing circumstances in life, the wind and the sea remain constant and isolated. The singer acknowledges that the good times may be gone, but he is committed to moving on regardless, always hopeful that he may cross paths with his companion again.
The final stanza serves as a repetition of the opening lyrics, with the singer still holding onto the hope that his companion may change her mind and join him someday. "Four Strong Winds" speaks to the human desire for change and growth, while also acknowledging the longing for companionship and the difficulty of parting ways.
Line by Line Meaning
Think I'll go out to Alberta, weather's good there in the fall
I'm considering moving to Alberta for work because the weather is nice in the autumn.
I got some friends that I could go to working for
I have some friends who I could work for in Alberta.
Still I wish you'd change your mind, If I asked you one more time, But we've been through this a hundred times or more
I want my significant other to come with me to Alberta, but I know we've talked about it many times before and they've already made up their mind.
Four strong winds that blow lonely, seven seas that run high, All those things that don't change, come what may
There are some things in life that never change and will always be constant, like the four strong winds and seven seas that continue to exist and affect us.
If the good times are all gone, and I'm bound for moving on, I'll look for you if I'm ever back this way.
If things don't work out for me in Alberta and I have to leave, I'll try to find my significant other if I ever come back to this area.
If I get there before the snow flies, and if things are looking good, You could meet me if I sent you down the fare
If I make it to Alberta before the snow falls and I have a job, I could send my significant other money so they can come join me.
But by then it would be winter, not too much for you to do, And those winds sure can blow cold way out there
However, by the time my significant other arrives, it will be winter and there won't be much for them to do. And the winds in Alberta can be extremely cold and harsh.
I'll look for you if I'm ever pass this way
If I ever travel through this area again in the future, I'll try to find my significant other and connect with them once more.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ian Tyson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind