Which Way
Bob Seger/Silver Bullet Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the left or to the right
Gonna go up gonna go down
I ain't got no clue tonight
Which way you gonna run
To the east or to the west
To the north to the south
You only do things Your Way
Baby Your Way
You only like things Your Way
Baby Your Way
Which Way You Gonna Turn
When you find it's all wrong
Which way you gonna turn
When it all comes out wrong
When you find you're not that strong
Oh baby baby
I hope you get along
The lyrics to "Which Way" by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band appear to be about making choices in life and dealing with the uncertainty that comes with those choices. The song opens with the singer asking which way the listener or subject of the song is going to go - to the left or right, up or down - but admits to not having a clue themselves. The chorus repeats the phrase "you only do things your way" and "you only like things your way," emphasizing an individualistic outlook that may contribute to the indecision described earlier.
The second verse poses a similar question of direction, asking whether the listener prefers north, south, east, or west, but again stressing that the decision is ultimately up to them. The bridge of the song introduces a potential consequence of these choices, asking which way one will turn when they find out it's all wrong. The song ends on a somber note, wishing the subject of the song well in their journey if they find they aren't that strong.
Overall, the message of the song seems to be a reminder that we are all responsible for our own paths in life, but that those choices may not always lead us where we want to go. It's a theme that many people can likely relate to, and Seger's rasp and the band's bluesy sound give the lyrics a feeling of authenticity and emotional depth.
Line by Line Meaning
Which way you gonna go
Asking which direction or path one plans to take.
To the left or to the right
Wondering if the person will choose the left or right side or a liberal or conservative stance.
Gonna go up gonna go down
Unclear whether the person will progress or regress in life.
I ain't got no clue tonight
Lack of insight or foresight into the plan for the night's future.
Which way you gonna run
Asking which direction the person will move to avoid hardship or conflict.
To the east or to the west
Asking whether the person will move closer to sunrise or sunset locations.
To the north to the south
Asking whether the person will move towards a colder or warmer climate.
Which way you like the best
Asking where the person feels the most comfortable or prefer to be.
You only do things Your Way
Asking whether the person is only willing to complete tasks or activities in a way that suits them.
Baby Your Way
Endearing term to emphasize the importance of their preferred way of doing things.
You only like things Your Way
Highlighting the person's tendency to prefer only certain things or people that align with their beliefs or values.
Which Way You Gonna Turn
Asking where the person can turn when things don't go as planned or how to react when things go wrong.
When you find it's all wrong
Awareness that the previous plan has failed or the situation has worsened.
When it all comes out wrong
Encounter when the previous plan has not been successful.
When you find you're not that strong
Highlighting the realization that the person may not be as tough or capable as they thought they were.
Oh baby baby
Term of endearment to show support or encouragement towards the person.
I hope you get along
Wishing the best for the person's situation and outcomes.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB SEGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind