Ghost of_David
Damien Jurado Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've seen you walk desert highways
Come on out, they're waiting for you
Mother lost her one and only
Fear the worst, for dead are many

Man, I had seen the ghost of David
In the house of his childhood
Forget him not, still he loves you
Life is short but love's eternal





Come on out, we're waiting for you

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of "Ghost of David" by Damien Jurado set the tone for a haunting tale of loss and love that transcends death. The image of a person walking alone on a desert highway creates a sense of isolation and solitude, while the invitation to "come on out" implies that there is a community waiting to welcome them. But the mood quickly turns somber with the mention of a mother who has lost her child, and the foreboding warning to "fear the worst."


The chorus introduces the titular character, the "ghost of David," who is said to reside in the house of his childhood. Despite his death, he still loves those he left behind, and his presence is felt as a comforting reminder that love endures even after we are gone. The final invitation to "come on out" takes on new meaning in light of these themes, suggesting that we can find solace and connection even in the face of death.


Overall, "Ghost of David" is a poignant meditation on mortality and the enduring power of love. Through haunting imagery and sparse, evocative lyrics, Damien Jurado creates a sense of longing and melancholy that lingers long after the song has ended.


Line by Line Meaning

I've seen you walk desert highways
I've witnessed you taking a lone journey on deserted roads


Come on out, they're waiting for you
Join us as people are eagerly waiting for your arrival


Mother lost her one and only
The mother has lost her only child


Fear the worst, for dead are many
Expect the worst as death has taken many


Man, I had seen the ghost of David
I have encountered the apparition of David


In the house of his childhood
It was at his childhood home where I saw him


Forget him not, still he loves you
Don't forget him as he still has love for you


Life is short but love's eternal
Life is brief, but love is infinite


Come on out, we're waiting for you
Please join us as we await your presence




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Damien Jurado

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Henning Kania

Just a big big shame that this man has not more fans/clicks after all these years of outstanding songwriting, many great albums and creativity on the highest level. One of my all time artist. Love you Damien! Peace

Omar Coming

Amen to that…

Alyas Fukename

Agreed. I noticed his actual channel has very few of his songs on it. I found him through my Pandora. I hope he's making decent money through that and Spotify.

Paul Rooker

I'm certain I played this on repeat many many times. Such a good album.

neil smith

johnny go riding, still destroys me, everytime. It was 10 years ago, and 1 day, from me watching him a second time in newcastle at the cluny and I pleaded for it before the show, he played it, the room felt it. I think it was is wife, or someone close, found me after the show to state "he never plays that one" Still, and always will be one of my favourite songs.

Lou Yan

I LOVE your music I listen it again and again thx for upload it ♥

Mariana Possari

OBRIGADA! OBRIGADA! OBRIGADA! MUITO OBRIGADA!!!!!!!

craudia rodregues Santanna

show d Bola essa musica

Nebojsa Savic

Just love it.

MrMfwettlaufer

Wow what beautiful songs!

More Comments

More Versions