Wide Open Spaces
The Chicks Lyrics
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Who's never left home, who's never struck out
To find a dream and a life of their own
A place in the clouds, a foundation of stone
Many precede and many will follow
A young girl's dreams no longer hollow
It takes the shape of a place out west
But what it holds for her, she hasn't yet guessed
She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistakes
She needs new faces
She knows the high stakes
She traveled this road as a child
Wide-eyed and grinning, she never tired
But now she won't be coming back with the rest
If these are life's lessons, she'll take this test
She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistakes
She needs new faces
She knows the high stakes
She knows the high stakes
As her folks drive away, her dad yells, "Check the oil!"
Mom stares out the window and says, "I'm leaving my girl"
She said, "It didn't seem like that long ago"
When she stood there and let her own folks know
She needed wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistakes
She needs new faces
She knows the high stakes
She knows the high stakes
She knows the highest stakes
(Wide open spaces)
She knows the highest stakes
She knows the highest stakes
(Wide open spaces)
The Chicks' "Wide Open Spaces" is an iconic country song that explores a universal theme of the desire for freedom, independence and a better life. The lyrics tell the story of a young girl who leaves her home for the first time to find her own place in the world. She is driven by a thirst for adventure, a need for personal growth, and a longing for wide open spaces that will allow her to be herself and make her own mistakes.
The girl's journey is rooted in a longing to escape the restrictions of her past and pursue her dreams. The imagery of the lyrics, describing a "place in the clouds" and a "foundation of stone," suggests both the lofty aspirations and the firm conviction of the singer. The song's most powerful lines are in its chorus, where the girl declares her need for "room to make her big mistakes" and "new faces," which invokes a sense of both recklessness and potential.
The song's final verses depict the girl's bittersweet departure from her home, as her parents drive away, anxious and wistful. The images of "mom staring out the window and saying, 'I'm leaving my girl'" and the father reminding her to "check the oil" before she sets out suggest a mix of love, guidance, and reluctance. The girl's resolute affirmation of the "highest stakes" offers a glimpse into her determination and spirit, which will ultimately guide her on her journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Who doesn't know what I'm talking about
Who has not felt the need to leave home to pursue a dream?
Who's never left home, who's never struck out
Who has never taken a risk and left their comfort zone?
To find a dream and a life of their own
To search for a goal and an individualistic lifestyle
A place in the clouds, a foundation of stone
A destination which is highly inspirational and a solid groundwork to build on
Many precede and many will follow
Many have already embarked on this journey and many more will.
It takes the shape of a place out west
The dream location materializes as a place in the west
But what it holds for her, she hasn't yet guessed
She does not know what is in store for her in the dream location
She needs wide open spaces
She needs ample freedom and independence
Room to make her big mistakes
Freedom to make errors and learn from them without being judged.
She needs new faces
She wants to meet new people who have a different perspective on life.
She knows the high stakes
She is aware of the potential risks of her quest.
She traveled this road as a child
She has traveled down this metaphorical road before in her life.
Wide-eyed and grinning, she never tired
She was energetic and optimistic about discovering new experiences.
But now she won't be coming back with the rest
She won't be following the usual way of life that most people adopt.
If these are life's lessons, she'll take this test
If this is her initiation rite, she will partake in it.
As her folks drive away, her dad yells, "Check the oil!"
As her parents depart, her dad reminds her to take care of her car.
Mom stares out the window and says, "I'm leaving my girl"
Her mother says goodbye and expresses her concern for her daughter.
She said, "It didn't seem like that long ago"
She remembers how recently she was dependent on her parents.
When she stood there and let her own folks know
When she announced her intention to pursue her dream.
She knows the highest stakes
She understands that the potential consequences of her actions are very high.
(Wide open spaces)
She knows the highest stakes
She is aware of the extreme consequences.
She knows the highest stakes
She knows the highest risks of pursuing her dreams.
(Wide open spaces)
Writer(s): Susan Gibson
Contributed by Hudson O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@anthonyoram7614
Am I the only person that still Calls them the Dixie Chicks even though people think the word “Dixie” is racist. It just means Southern.
@stephenhobbs5883
I'll be honest I had no idea they changed it 😢
@hensen5309
I grew up in Oklahoma. I was born the year 2000. My school played this every morning. We had multiple songs we would sing when we got there in the morning. This was one of the songs.
@LawrenceMcLaughlan-jj4kz
1 of there best songs
@waynemasey545
That's a wonderful way to start the day magical Wayne in ecclefecan Scotland
@lyndseymendoza8113
Checking in June 2023
Such a timeless hit, thank you Dixie chicks!! ❤♾️
@Kevin-qo6qt
Yep!
@Kevin-qo6qt
8/23......
@peterdavis8471
The sixty chick's sounds great
@JD-72191
I liked it better when they were called the Dixie Chicks.