Gentle On My Mind
Aretha Franklin Lyrics
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And your path is free to walk
(Free to walk, free to walk, free to walk)
That makes me know that I can leave
My sleepin' bag behind your couch
(Be right there) Yes, it does
(Yes, I'll be right there)
It's knowin' I'm not shackled
And your ink stains that have dried upon some line
Keeps you on the back roads (back roads)
By the rivers of my memory (memory)
That keeps you ever gentle on my mind
(Gentle on my mind, yeah) Oh
(Gentle on my mind, yeah
It's not clingin' to some rocks and ivy
Planted on their columns now, that binds me
No, it don't
Or something that somebody said
Because they thought we fit together walkin'
(Don't walk on by, babe)
We didn't, baby
(Don't walk on by, babe)
It's knowing that the world
Will not be cursing or forgiving
When they turn around and find
That you're movin' on the back roads (back roads)
You're still on my memory (memory)
You're ever gentle on my mind
(Gentle on my mind, yeah)
Yes, I'll be
(Gentle on my mind, yeah)
You're gentle
(Gentle on my mind, yeah)
You're gentle
(Gentle on my mind, yeah)
Gentle, gentle
(Gentle on my mind, yeah)
You're gentle on the back roads
(Gentle on my mind, yeah)
Yeah, yeah
(Gentle on my mind, yeah)
You're gentle on my back
(Gentle on my mind, yeah)
Be that way
(Gentle on my mind, yeah)
You're gentle on my back
(Gentle on my mind, yeah)
The lyrics to "Gentle On My Mind" by Aretha Franklin express gratitude to a person who has provided a sense of freedom and ease in the singer's life. This person’s door is always open, and their path is free to walk, which makes the singer feel like they can leave their sleeping bag behind the couch. This sense of freedom is not just physical; there is also a sense of emotional freedom. The singer is not shackled by forgotten words or bonds, which might refer to a past relationship or experience. The person’s ink stains on some line also perhaps suggest that they are a writer or artist and the reference to back roads and rivers could signify a sense of being off the beaten path or changing course in life. The chorus emphasizes that this person is gentle on the singer’s mind, which could mean that they are a source of calm and comfort.
The second verse seems to suggest that the relationship between the singer and this person is not based on superficial things like status or what other people think. The reference to clinging to rocks and ivy planted on columns suggests a sense of being stuck or rooted in one place, perhaps because of expectations held by society or others. The line "something that somebody said because they thought we fit together walking, We didn't, baby" also emphasizes that this relationship is based on something deeper than just appearances or what other people think. The final chorus again emphasizes that the person is gentle on the singer's mind and that they will still be remembered even if they move on from the back roads.
Line by Line Meaning
It's knowin' that your door is always open
Feeling assured that you are accessible and welcoming to me
And your path is free to walk (Free to walk, free to walk, free to walk)
Knowing that I can come and go as I please without hindrance
That makes me know that I can leave
This assurance makes me feel comfortable to leave my belongings behind
My sleepin' bag behind your couch (Be right there) Yes, it does (Yes, I'll be right there)
I trust that my sleeping bag will be safe and you'll be there when I need you
It's knowin' I'm not shackled
I am aware that I am not held back
By forgotten words and bonds
The past is not dictating my present or future
And your ink stains that have dried upon some line
The marks and messages you have left behind have made a lasting impact on me
Keeps you on the back roads (back roads)
You prefer the less-traveled paths, the hidden gems
By the rivers of my memory (memory)
You hold a special place in my memories
That keeps you ever gentle on my mind (Gentle on my mind, yeah) Oh (Gentle on my mind, yeah)
All of these factors contribute to you being a soothing presence in my thoughts
It's not clingin' to some rocks and ivy
I am not holding onto something irrelevant or insignificant
Planted on their columns now, that binds me
I am not weighed down by anything or anyone that once had a hold on me
No, it don't
It simply isn't the case
Or something that somebody said
My actions are not a result of something someone else said or did
Because they thought we fit together walkin' (Don't walk on by, babe)
I didn't walk with you because others thought we were a good match
We didn't, baby (Don't walk on by, babe)
I walked with you because I truly wanted to
It's knowing that the world
I am cognizant that the world
Will not be cursing or forgiving
The world will neither condemn nor pardon my actions
When they turn around and find
When others notice
That you're movin' on the back roads (back roads)
That you have chosen to continue on your less-traveled path
You're still on my memory (memory)
You still hold a special place in my thoughts
You're ever gentle on my mind (Gentle on my mind, yeah)
You continue to be a calming and comforting presence in my thoughts
Yes, I'll be (Gentle on my mind, yeah)
I will continue to hold onto these thoughts
You're gentle (Gentle on my mind, yeah)
You are kind and soothing
Gentle, gentle (Gentle on my mind, yeah)
You have a consistently calming energy
You're gentle on the back roads (Gentle on my mind, yeah) Yeah, yeah (Gentle on my mind, yeah)
Even on your unconventional path, you are still a comforting presence in my thoughts
You're gentle on my back (Gentle on my mind, yeah)
You have my back with your gentle presence
Be that way (Gentle on my mind, yeah)
Please continue to be kind and comforting
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Hartford
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind