Ives began his career as an itinerant singer and guitarist, eventually launching his own radio show, The Wayfaring Stranger, which popularized traditional folk songs. In 1942, he appeared in Irving Berlin's This Is the Army and became a major star of CBS Radio. In the 1960s, he successfully crossed over into country music, recording hits such as "A Little Bitty Tear" and "Funny Way of Laughin'". Ives was also a popular film actor through the late 1940s and '50s. His film roles included parts in So Dear to My Heart (1948) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), as well as the role of Rufus Hannassey in The Big Country (1958), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Ives is often associated with the Christmas season. He did voice-over work as Sam the Snowman, narrator of the classic 1964 Christmas television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Ives also worked on the special's soundtrack, including the songs "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", both of which continue to chart annually on the Billboard holiday charts into the 2020s.
I Walk the Line
Burl Ives Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Ahh ahh ahh ahh
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day's through
Because you're mine, I walk the line
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Ahh ahh ahh ahh
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Ahh ahh ahh ahh
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Ahh ahh ahh ahh
Ahh ahh ahh ahh
Burl Ives's song "I Walk the Line" is a powerful and evocative love song that speaks about the commitment that one makes in a relationship. The song is structured in such a way that it is easy to follow, with each verse adding depth to the message of the song. In the first verse, the singer speaks about the importance of keeping his emotions and feelings in check, ensuring that he is always in control of them. He knows that his heart is his most important asset and must be protected at all times.
The second verse speaks about how the singer is alone after each day because he has given his all to his love. Even though he might be a "fool" for his love, he is always ready to keep up the fight for her. The chorus emphasizes his devotion, saying that he walks the line because he belongs to his love.
In the final verse, the singer emphasizes his dedication to his love. Regardless of the time of day, he keeps her on his mind, and he is happy because his love for her is true. He doesn't mind keeping a close watch on his heart and eyes because she is worth the effort, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to prove that his love for her is true.
Line by Line Meaning
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I am highly protective of my emotions
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I am always alert and paying attention
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
I am careful to maintain strong connections
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I am committed to staying faithful to you
I find it very, very easy to be true
I am naturally honest and reliable
I find myself alone when each day's through
I often end up feeling lonely at the end of the day
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
I am willing to sacrifice for your love
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You are able to maintain my loyalty
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
You inspire strong feelings of affection in me
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
I am willing to go to great lengths for our relationship
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I am completely certain of my feelings for you
I keep you on my mind both day and night
You are always in my thoughts
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Our love has brought me great joy and fulfillment
Contributed by Adalyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.