In the rock (and roll) community, Bill Monroe may be best known via one of Elvis Presley's earliest recordings at Sun Records, that of Monroe's 'Blue Moon of Kentucky'. Patsy Cline also made a highly regarded version of this song.
Drifting Too Far from the Shore
Bill Monroe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where dangers silently creep
And storms so violently sweep
You're drifting to far from the shore
Drifting too far from the shore (from the shore)
Drifting too far from the shore (peaceful shore)
Come to Jesus today, let him show you the way
Today the tempest rolls high
And clouds overshadow the sky
Sure death is hovering nigh
You're drifting to far from the shore
Why meet a terrible fate
Mercy abundantly waits
Turn back before its to late
You're drifting to far from the shore
In Bill Monroe & The Bluegrass Boys' song "Drifting Too Far From The Shore," the singer communicates their concern for someone who is venturing too far out into the dangerous, unpredictable deep waters of the ocean. They urge the person to come back to the safety of the shore, where they can be saved by Jesus. The lyrics vividly describe the threatening nature of the deep sea through images of lurking danger, violent storms, and impending death. The singer is worried that if the person doesn't turn back soon, it may be too late and they will meet a terrible fate.
The song can be interpreted as a warning against straying too far away from one's faith and beliefs. Just as the ocean can be perilous and unpredictable, life can also present us with challenges and dangers if we lose sight of our moral compass. Therefore, the message of the song is to always keep one's faith and stay true to oneself to avoid "drifting too far from the shore."
Line by Line Meaning
Out on the perilous deep
Out in the dangerous, treacherous ocean
Where dangers silently creep
Where threats lurk quietly and unnoticeably
And storms so violently sweep
And where violent storms can suddenly and mercilessly occur
You're drifting to far from the shore
You're moving too far away from the calm and safety of the shore
Drifting too far from the shore (from the shore)
You're moving away from the peaceful and safe shore
Drifting too far from the shore (peaceful shore)
You're moving too far from the peaceful and safe shore
Come to Jesus today, let him show you the way
Seek the guidance of Jesus to find the right path before it's too late
You're drifting to far from the shore
You're moving too far away from the calm and safety of the shore
Today the tempest rolls high
Today, the storm is raging powerfully
And clouds overshadow the sky
The sky is dark and heavy with clouds
Sure death is hovering nigh
Death is likely lurking nearby
You're drifting to far from the shore
You're moving too far away from the calm and safety of the shore
Why meet a terrible fate
Why risk facing a terrible end
Mercy abundantly waits
You can still take advantage of mercy and be saved
Turn back before its to late
Change your course before it's too late to avoid danger
You're drifting to far from the shore
You're moving too far away from the calm and safety of the shore
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CHARLES E. MOODY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind