Believe Me
Del Barber Lyrics
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Have you been waiting for my car to roll in
Down the long drive where the gravel dust flies
In clouds, painted by my headlights
The a.m. dial wanders its way
Through right-wing anger and left wing certainty
Some old gospel station is broadcasting praise
Believe me, believe me
I am a freight train climbing up a western range
Believe me, believe me
When I say I’m on my way
Darling I know, I’m prone to wander and walk this world alone
Get cleansed by the fire of my own device
But I’m getting tired
Believe me, believe me
I am a freight train climbing up a western range
Believe me, believe me
When I say, I’m on my way
In Del Barber's "Believe Me," the singer addresses a loved one and tells them he is on his way back. He describes his journey as a climb up a western range, invoking an image of a powerful, unstoppable force. He navigates the dial on the radio, which flickers between political anger and evangelical Christianity, perhaps representing the divisive and troubled state of the world around him. Despite his tendency to walk the world alone and get lost in his own devices, he begs his loved one to believe in him and his commitment to returning to them.
The lyrics are rich with metaphor and symbolism, creating a vivid picture of the singer's mindset and surroundings. The long drive home is painted as a dramatic scene, the gravel dust flying up in clouds as he barrels towards his destination. The radio serves as a commentary on the state of the world, while the western range represents both a physical and metaphorical challenge he must overcome. Despite this, the singer is steadfast in his promise to return and asks his loved one to have faith in him.
Overall, "Believe Me" is a powerful anthem of determination and reassurance, depicting the turbulent and complex journey of life and love. Barber's strong and emotive delivery brings the lyrics to life and makes them all the more resonant.
Line by Line Meaning
Where have you been
Asking where the listener has been and if they have been waiting for the singer to come home
Have you been waiting for my car to roll in
Wondering if the listener has been anticipating the singer's return
Down the long drive where the gravel dust flies
Describing the road the singer is driving on to get home
In clouds, painted by my headlights
The dust kicked up by the car's tires appears like clouds that are illuminated by the headlights
The a.m. dial wanders its way
Describing the sound of the radio dial while searching for a station
Through right-wing anger and left-wing certainty
Referring to the differing opinions and perspectives of politics
Some old gospel station is broadcasting praise
Mentioning a gospel station that is broadcasting religious music
From a dirty corner of the U.S.A
Implying that the station is located in an undesirable area
Believe me, believe me
Repeated phrase that emphasizes the sincerity of the singer's message
I am a freight train climbing up a western range
Metaphor for the singer's strength and determination to continue moving forward
When I say I’m on my way
Assuring the listener that the singer is coming to them
Darling I know, I’m prone to wander and walk this world alone
Admitting that the singer has a tendency to be independent and wander alone
Get cleansed by the fire of my own device
Metaphor for the singer's desire to be purified and cleansed by his own choices and actions
But I’m getting tired
Acknowledging that the singer is getting weary of wandering alone
Contributed by Jeremiah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.