Lonesome Road
Chet Atkins Lyrics
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Before you travel on.
Look down, look down that lonesome road
Before you travel on.
Look up, look up and greet your maker,
For Gabriel blows his horn.
Travelin' down that lonesome road,
Look down, look down that lonesome road
Before you travel on.
Weary totin', it's such a load,
Whike I'm travelin' down, travelin' down that lonesome old road,
Look down, look down that lonesome road
Before you travel on.
The lyrics of Chet Atkins's song Lonesome Road are a stark reminder of the hardships of life and the uncertainties of the future. The opening lines "Look down, look down that lonesome road, before you travel on" convey a sense of caution and reflection. The importance of taking stock of one's journey and being aware of the path ahead is emphasized, and the chorus drives home the message of opportunity and redemption by urging the listener to "look up, look up and greet your maker, for Gabriel blows his horn".
The lyrics become more personal in the following lines where the singer speaks of the weariness of carrying a load while on this solitary journey. The phrase "Weary, totin' such a load, travelin' down that lonesome road" speaks of the difficulty that comes with moving forward, and the desire to want to give up. However, this is juxtaposed with the repeated refrain of "Look down, look down that lonesome road before you travel on" which encourages persistence and perseverance despite the difficulties faced.
Overall, the lyrics of Lonesome Road are a reminder of the struggles of life, but also a message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Look down, look down that lonesome road
Take a moment to reflect on the path you are going to take in life, as it may be a difficult and lonely one.
Before you travel on.
Consider the implications and consequences of your actions before proceeding.
Look up, look up and greet your maker,
Take time to appreciate the higher power above us all, as the day may come when you will have to face him.
For Gabriel blows his horn.
The trumpet of the Archangel Gabriel announces the end of the world, and signals the time for judgment.
Weary, totin' such a load,
Life can be physically and emotionally taxing, especially when one is carrying the burden of personal struggles.
Travelin' down that lonesome road,
Journeying through life can often feel like a solitary experience.
Look down, look down that lonesome road
Reiterating the importance of introspection before making a decision or taking action, especially when on a difficult path.
Before you travel on.
Make sure to consider all of the factors that could impact your journey, including potential hardships or obstacles.
Weary totin', it's such a load,
Emphasizing the emotional toll that carrying burdens can take on a person.
Whike I'm travelin' down, travelin' down that lonesome old road,
Acknowledging that the journey can be difficult, but that it is still worth undertaking despite its challenges.
Look down, look down that lonesome road
A final reminder to take caution and properly consider one's actions before proceeding on a difficult journey.
Before you travel on.
Closing out the song by reiterating the importance of careful consideration before taking action.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, NATHANIEL SHILKRET MUSIC CO.
Written by: Jimmy Carroll
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@steveyraynelson
I met him in '89, too! In Cedar Rapids, IA with the orchestra I was 4th row. I started playing in 1963, the album was Fingerstyle Guitar. I was five. The rest is, well, whatever you want to call it....ha!
@DUGGER1947
@daffydoug You envy me to the bone, and I and others appreciate you to the bone for making all these classic and vintage Chet selections available on youtube.
@alainvosselman9960
Not a superfan here but i like tha authenticity of his sound, his technique, yet you can hear this playing also comes from the heart. Great timing & all. Sure needs appreciating.
@DUGGER1947
@daffydoug It's a matter of catching him at the right time (which I obviously did). I know he was a busy guy being in charge of record productions at the Nashville Sound studio. He told me it was a joy to have fans visit him, because it was one of the few times he could have an excuse for playing and enjoying himself and get away from his work. I did shake his hand, and I gave it a good grip -- and he told me something like "take it easy on the fingernails."
@DUGGER1947
@daffydoug Yeah, actually he picked 3 requests: Rainbow, Sleep and Liza. Probably my 3 favorites at that time. I wanted to see how he could play the melody & bridge of a song at the same time (Sleep). The whole time, I probably looked like a deer caught in the headlights. At that time I was stationed in North Carolina in the service, and Nashville was an easy one day drive.
@DUGGER1947
@daffydoug For me, it has been close to 51 years since I got my 1st Chet album. I'd been playing Ventures stuff prior to that, but once I heard Chet -- my life and playing style changed. My problem is I'm basically a flat picker who tries to improvise a little fingerstyle into the mix. Chet or Tommy Emmanuel, I am definitely not! I met Chet in 1968, when I made a special trip to see the Nashville Sound studio & the Opry (I met him in his office and he even played a couple songs for me!).
@princeharming8963
WoW... great story.. and a Great memory!
@vanislefan
Question, Daffydoug- have you met Chet? Just curious, also, what got you to amass such an impressive library of this great man?
@dougsguitarstuff4446
vanislefan
Yes, I met him on my birthday, 1989, Elkhart IN. Happiest day of my life!!!