Big Road Blues
David Lyrics
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When your eyes are wide open
There is nothing like the feeling, you can never forget
When your eyes are wide open
Daytime was a feeling but it's not over yet
Are my eyes still open?
We come a long long distance and we're never goin' back
Got my eyes wide open
I got both doors open
I got both doors open
I got the back door open
I got the screen door open.
In another time
In another place
There's a train running through
Right through the middle of the house
Have i been dreaming, or have i been sick?
Are my eyes wide open?
Do i do it like that, or do i do it like this?
Are my eyes wide open?
Wearing' out the carpet doin' tricks with her hands
She's got her eyes wide open?
Think about this, "well i already have."
I got both doors open
I got both doors open
I got the back door open
I got the screen door open.
Oh i don't understand
Oh it's not just a sound
Oh i don't understand
It doesn't matter at all
See the little girl with the eyes rolled back in her head
She got a complication but she knows it'll work out fine
Naked as a baby, talking 'bout the feeling she gets
In another time, in another place
I got both doors open
I got both doors open
I got the back door open
I got the screen door open.
Oh i don't understand
Oh it's not just a sound
Oh i don't understand
It doesn't matter at all
The lyrics of David Byrne's song "Big Blue Plymouth" convey the idea of openness to new experiences, sensations and perspectives. The song starts with a reflection on the power of perception, highlighting how the feeling one gets when experiencing something new cannot be paralleled. Byrne invites the listener to question their perception of reality by using the metaphor of "eyes wide open" as an entry point into a world of possibilities where one can explore and discover new horizons. The daytime, which appears to be over, still echoes in the psyche and opens up into a long distance journey, promising new beginnings and endless opportunities to discover the unknown.
Byrne's use of doors as a symbol of openness adds another dimension to the idea of perception and discovery. The repetition of the phrase "I got both doors open" emphasizes the freedom of choice and the possibility of exploring multiple paths. The back door and the screen door, both open, suggest a state of constant readiness to embrace the unexpected, to enable the passage of sound, air, light and other sensory stimuli. The train running through the house creates a mental image of the fluidity and connectedness between time and space, suggesting that everything is interconnected and that every moment is a chance to learn and grow.
The song further explores the idea of perception by questioning the nature of reality, whether one is dreaming or sick, whether one should do something one way or another. The lyrics suggest that experimenting with different modes of perception is a way of enriching oneself, of trying to understand the complexity of the world we inhabit. The little girl with her eyes rolled back in her head is a metaphor for this complexity, which at first glance may seem unsettling, but with time can reveal its inner beauty and harmony.
Line by Line Meaning
There is nothing that is stronger than the feeling that you get
When your eyes are wide open
The experience of feeling alive when our senses are wide awake is unparalleled.
There is nothing like the feeling, you can never forget
When your eyes are wide open
No other sensation is as unforgettable as the experience of feeling alive with our senses fully alert.
Daytime was a feeling but it's not over yet
Are my eyes still open?
Though morning has passed, am I still awake? Do I still feel as alive and present?
We come a long long distance and we're never goin' back
Got my eyes wide open
We have come so far in our journey, and we will never go back to a time when our senses were dulled. I am still present.
I got both doors open
I got both doors open
I got the back door open
I got the screen door open.
I've got every exit open, ready to leave if opportunity or danger arises.
In another time
In another place
There's a train running through
Right through the middle of the house
A vision of another time and place where the sound of the train echoes through the house, interrupting life as we know it.
Have i been dreaming, or have i been sick?
Are my eyes wide open?
Have I been living in a dream world or have I been sick? Are my senses awake and aware?
Do i do it like that, or do i do it like this?
Are my eyes wide open?
How should I approach this situation? Am I present enough to make an informed choice?
Wearing' out the carpet doin' tricks with her hands
She's got her eyes wide open?
Is she fully present while performing her daily tasks? Is she mindful while using her hands and feet?
Think about this, "well i already have."
I got both doors open
I got both doors open
I got the back door open
I got the screen door open.
I've already considered my options and I'm ready to act accordingly. My senses are switched on and I'm aware of my surroundings.
Oh i don't understand
Oh it's not just a sound
Oh i don't understand
It doesn't matter at all
I'm perplexed by what's happening, but the sound I'm hearing is more than just noise. Nonetheless, none of it matters.
See the little girl with the eyes rolled back in her head
She got a complication but she knows it'll work out fine
Naked as a baby, talking 'bout the feeling she gets
In another time, in another place
A little girl possessed by some force speaks of feeling alive and is unconcerned about a complication. This relates to another time and place.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID BYRNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sidney Smith
This jam is so smooth and solid with a beat that can't be beat. Love the horn section!
Bill Loraff
My first time listening to you and your band and it was an adventure for me I just loved it !
Jeff Taylor
Love it. Hope we get back to live music soon. I miss seeing David live.
Rex Barker
I absolutely love this song and the video. I've shared it with my grandkids and friends too. Keep the great songs coming.
Jeff Mostrom
Love the way David puts his bands together . Your still fun ! I am proud of this man .
Ed McKendry Music
wow! sounding and looking great.
Bobbie Dusenberry
Sharing with all of our WMNF Traffic Jam listeners on Facebook and playing on "Monday Traffic Jams on WMNF" 88.5 Tampa 4-6 pm We play you David....always have....on independent, non- corp radio...for the rest of us!
xxxxharp
Bravo!! This is a great cut !!
Songpoets
Oh, man!? Soooooooooo good and sooooooooooooooo cool! The "Brombergian experience", to be sure! Ramcey in Nashville
Jim Wise
Something about that song that makes you want to jump up and dance. Very nicely done