Along with Parsons, Chris Hillman was a key figure in the development of country rock, virtually defining America's most successful genre through his seminal work in the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers.
Second Wind
Chris Hillman Lyrics
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C
I've been waiting for a southern breeze
F Bb F
Just when my patience started wearing thin
F C F Bb F
You've given me my second wind
F Bb F
C
Flying so high I ran out of steam
F Bb F
I was led to believe I would never fit in
F C F
You've given me my second wind
Dm Am Gm C Dm
Hear the warning heed the cry of a desperate mourning
Am Gm C
For a love gone by
F Bb F
And I've got a reason to start living again
C F
You've given me my second wind
SOLO
F Bb F
Just like a leaf floating in the air
C
A homeless heart so full of despair
F Bb F
Then I found you my long lost friend
F C F
You've given me my second wind
Dm Am Gm C Dm
Hear the warning heed the cry of a desperate mourning
Am Gm C
For a love gone by
F Bb F
And I've got a reason to start living again
F C F
You've given me my second wind
F Bb F
And I've got a reason to start living again
F C F Bb F Bb F
You've given me my second wind
The song "Second Wind" by Chris Hillman talks about the feeling of hopelessness and despair that can grip an individual in pursuing their dreams, but how a new relationship can offer a renewed sense of purpose and direction to pursue those goals again. The opening lines of the song create a metaphorical image of a sailor adrift on the sea waiting for a southern breeze which signifies the direction and purpose he's seeking in life. The lack of progress and stagnation, however, wears thin on his patience until a new hope arrives, which is likened to the southern breeze. The hope that he has found new passion ignites a new sense of energy within him, and he claims to have been given his "second wind."
The verses talk about the challenges that the singer has faced in his life, where he's chased his dream persistently but lost his way. He expresses a sense of being an outcast and his inability to find his place in society. These challenges have led to a feeling of despair and hopelessness, but meeting his new love has rekindled his enthusiasm and restored his faith in life. The chorus of the song talks about how he has a reason to live again because of this newfound love, and his partner has given him the second wind to pursue his dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Just like a sailor adrift on the sea
Feeling lost and directionless in life
I've been waiting for a southern breeze
Hoping for a change or opportunity to come my way
Just when my patience started wearing thin
Feeling frustrated and hopeless
You've given me my second wind
Someone or something has revitalized me and given me new hope
All of my life I've spent chasing a dream
I have been pursuing a goal or ambition for as long as I can remember
Flying so high I ran out of steam
I reached a point of exhaustion or burnout from trying so hard
I was led to believe I would never fit in
I felt like an outsider or that I didn't belong
Hear the warning heed the cry of a desperate mourning
There is a sense of urgency or desperation in my need for help or change
For a love gone by
Referring to the loss of something important in my life, such as a relationship
And I've got a reason to start living again
Feeling hopeful and motivated to move forward in life
Just like a leaf floating in the air
Feeling adrift or without a solid foundation
A homeless heart so full of despair
Feeling lost and without hope
Then I found you my long lost friend
Experiencing a positive change or influence from someone
And I've got a reason to start living again
Feeling hopeful and motivated to move forward in life
You've given me my second wind
Someone or something has revitalized me and given me new hope
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHRIS HILLMAN, MICHAEL WOODY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind