On the Way Home
Crosby. Stills. Nash & Young Lyrics
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I held my breath with my eyes closed
I went insane, like a smoke ring day
When the wind blows
Now I won't be back till later on
If I do come back at all
But to know me (you know me)
In a strange game
I saw myself as you knew me
When the change came
And you had a change to see through me
Though the other side is just the same
You can tell my dream is real
Because I love you (I love you I do)
Can you feel it now
Though we rush ahead to save our time
We are only what we feel
And I love you (I love you I do)
Can you feel it now (can you feel it now)
Can you feel it now (can you feel it now)
Can you feel it now (can you feel it now)
The lyrics of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's song On The Way Home display an individual's introspection during a moment of change in their life. The song begins with the singer experiencing a dream and going temporarily insane. The dream can symbolize an event in their life that they had been anticipating, or it could signify a profound moment of introspection. The singer explains that they don't know if they will return or not, showing us that they are moving forward with their life, but are still unsure of what the future holds.
As the song develops, it becomes apparent that the singer had gone through a significant change that allowed them to see themselves from a new perspective. It is possible that this change happened in their life, and now they are experiencing themselves in a completely new light. The lyrics' tone is contemplative, and the singer seems to be looking back at their old self through someone else's eyes. The singer makes it clear that they are still the same person, but this new perspective has allowed them to see their life in a different way.
The chorus of the song expresses the singer's love for someone. The lyrics emphasize that love is the most important thing in life, and that everything else is secondary. Additionally, the chorus could imply that the significant change that the singer had gone through may have allowed them to better understand themselves and appreciate love more.
Overall, On The Way Home displays a personal journey of introspection and self-exploration that can speak to anyone experiencing a significant change in their life.
Line by Line Meaning
When the dream came
The dream refers to a life-changing moment or realization that had a profound impact on the singer's life
I held my breath with my eyes closed
The singer was temporarily overwhelmed and stunned by the significance of their realization
I went insane, like a smoke ring day
The singer experienced a surreal and otherworldly sensation, similar to how a smoke ring appears and dissolves
When the wind blows
The arrival of the dream is signified by something as natural and uncontrollable as the wind
Now I won't be back till later on
The artist intends to move forward and embrace their new reality, not dwelling on the past
If I do come back at all
The singer acknowledges that their life may now be permanently changed, making it impossible to return to their previous state
But to know me (you know me)
The singer acknowledges that others may have trouble understanding their new outlook, as it is a personal revelation
And I miss you now
Despite the changes, the artist still feels a sense of longing for someone close to them
In a strange game
The artist feels as if life is an unfamiliar and unpredictable situation
I saw myself as you knew me
The artist reflects on how others perceive them and how this has affected their previous self-image
When the change came
The singer experienced an event or situation that challenged their previous self-image and world view
And you had a change to see through me
The artist realizes that this event has given others a glimpse into their true character and personality
Though the other side is just the same
Despite the internal changes, the singer feels that they are still fundamentally the same person
You can tell my dream is real
The singer is confident that their realization is not just a fleeting or fanciful idea, but a genuine shift in perspective
Because I love you (I love you I do)
The singer expresses a deep and sincere affection for someone, likely influenced by their new outlook
Can you feel it now
The artist asks if the recipient of their affection can sense and reciprocate their feelings
Though we rush ahead to save our time
The artist reflects on how people often prioritize efficiency and productivity over enjoying life's moments
We are only what we feel
The singer argues that emotions and personal experience are the most important aspects of life, not superficial accomplishments or possessions
And I love you (I love you I do)
The singer reiterates their deep affection for the recipient
Can you feel it now (can you feel it now)
The artist continues to ask if the recipient can reciprocate their feelings, reaffirming the importance of being present and aware of one's emotions
Can you feel it now (can you feel it now)
The artist repeats their question, emphasizing the significance of emotional connection in life
Can you feel it now (can you feel it now)
The artist once again asks if the recipient can sense and reciprocate their feelings
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind