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.
On and On
Bill Monroe Lyrics
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I'm so lonesome I could cry
Memories of how we once loved each other
And now you are saying goodbye
On and on I'll follow my darling
And I wonder where she can be
On and on I'll follow my darling
I've cried, I've cried for you little darling
It breaks my heart to hear your name
My friends they also love you my darling
And they think that I am to blame
On and on I'll follow my darling
And I wonder where she can be
On and on I'll follow my darling
And I wonder if she ever thinks of me
I have to follow you my darling
I can't sleep when the sun goes down
By your side is my destination
The road is clear and that's where I'm bound
On and on I'll follow my darling
And I wonder where she can be
On and on I'll follow my darling
And I wonder if she ever thinks of me
Bill Monroe's song "On and On" is a story of heartbreak and longing. The singer is traveling down a long, lonesome highway, overcome with misery and memories of a past love. He wonders where his beloved could be and whether she thinks of him as he continues to follow her every step of the way.
The lyrics speak to the universal experience of love and loss. The singer is consumed with thoughts of his past love, unable to let go of the memories they shared. He is heartbroken by the fact that she is leaving him and struggles with the idea that his friends may blame him for the end of the relationship.
The repetition of "On and on I'll follow my darling" reinforces the idea that the singer is determined to find his love, no matter how long it takes. He can't sleep and his destination is by his beloved's side.
Overall, "On and On" is a hauntingly beautiful tale of love and perseverance, told through Monroe's honest and soulful lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Traveling down this long lonesome highway
As I journey on this seemingly endless path by myself
I'm so lonesome I could cry
I feel so lonely that it makes me want to cry
Memories of how we once loved each other
I remember our past loving relationship fondly
And now you are saying goodbye
But unfortunately, you have decided to part ways with me
On and on I'll follow my darling
Despite this, I will continue to pursue my love
And I wonder where she can be
I am curious about her location and whereabouts
On and on I'll follow my darling
I am determined to keep following her
And I wonder if she ever thinks of me
And I often wonder if she still remembers me or thinks about me
I've cried, I've cried for you little darling
I have shed many tears over losing you, my dear
It breaks my heart to hear your name
Even hearing your name is painful for me
My friends they also love you my darling
My friends also care for you deeply, my love
And they think that I am to blame
However, they believe that it is my fault we are no longer together
I have to follow you my darling
But I know that I must continue to pursue you, my love
I can't sleep when the sun goes down
I am restless and unable to sleep when nightfall arrives
By your side is my destination
Being with you is the only place I want to be
The road is clear and that's where I'm bound
The path ahead may be unknown, but all I know is that I must keep following you
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILL MONROE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind