Also impressive is Krauss's unwavering commitment to being an independent-label artist who has succeeded far beyond the scope of many major-label artists. She has circulated freely within pop, mainstream country and roots music circles, as a solo artist and with her long-time band Union Station, creating impeccably produced records that appeal to an equally wide-ranging and inquisitive audience. Krauss has continued doing things the old-fashioned way: following her heart and whatever path the music takes her on.
On The Borderline
Alison Krauss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you don't need the signs to see lonely still runs both ways
So who's the fool that would think the ties would be better off undone
Did your heart even warn you when you veered from the path that was narrower and straight
On the borderline
Somewhere between the flight for freedom
Feeling like you can't move on
Takes you off of my mind and out of my heart I know
And when you cross over there's no turning back
Once that burning bridge is gone
I may lose but I'm in it for the long run
Loving you for good reason could be the wrong one
I don't want to lose control but the heart won't learn
To let it well enough for long
On the borderline
Somewhere between the flight for freedom
Feeling like you can't move on
The chore will be the time
Takes you off of my mind and out of my heart I know
And when you cross over there's no turning back
Once that burning bridge is gone
So you're on your own lookin' down the road that goes only by one way
The lyrics of "Borderline" by Alison Krauss describe the internal struggle of a person who is torn between wanting to move on from a relationship and feeling stuck in their emotions. The first verse talks about the loneliness that runs both ways and how the decision to sever ties with someone can often leave a person feeling even more isolated. The second verse discusses the idea of the “borderline,” the point where someone is in between their flight for freedom and feeling trapped.
The chorus emphasizes the irreversible nature of crossing the “borderline” and burning the bridge between two people. It acknowledges the difficulty of letting go of someone you love but also recognizes that it is necessary to move forward. The final verse reveals the singer’s desire to hold on to the relationship, despite the risks and potential for heartbreak. Overall, the lyrics present a complex mix of emotions, from longing and nostalgia to fear and uncertainty, in a haunting and beautiful way.
Line by Line Meaning
So you're on your own lookin' down the road that goes only by one way
You are traveling down a path that only goes one way, and you are alone on this journey.
And you don't need the signs to see lonely still runs both ways
Loneliness affects both those who stay and those who leave; you don't need a sign to tell you that.
So who's the fool that would think the ties would be better off undone
Who would be foolish enough to believe that breaking ties is better than keeping them?
Did your heart even warn you when you veered from the path that was narrower and straight
When you strayed from the narrow and straight path, did your heart warn you of the consequences?
On the borderline
Somewhere between the flight for freedom
Feeling like you can't move on
The chore will be the time
Takes you off of my mind and out of my heart I know
And when you cross over there's no turning back
Once that burning bridge is gone
You are caught in between wanting to be free and feeling stuck. It will take time to move on, but eventually, you will be out of my thoughts and heart. Once you cross that line, there's no going back. Once you burn that bridge, it's gone forever.
I may lose but I'm in it for the long run
I may not come out on top, but I'm committed to seeing this through in the long run.
Loving you for good reason could be the wrong one
Loving someone for the right reasons could end up being the wrong decision.
I don't want to lose control but the heart won't learn
To let it well enough for long
I don't want to lose control of my emotions, but my heart won't let go and move on for very long.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: SIDNEY COX, SUZANNE COX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Douglas Armstrong
I believe that Alison was 17 when she recorded this album. I have played her CD's more that any other artist. I just love all of her music and it always is a pleasure to hear again and again. It never gets old for me. I don't think that she ever recorded a clunker.
suzanne crum
Good to hear this new tune from Allison! Thank you for the great music!
Russell
❤❤❤