Eliza Gilkyson (born in Los Angeles, California, in 1950) is an American fo… Read Full Bio ↴Eliza Gilkyson (born in Los Angeles, California, in 1950) is an American folk musician based in Austin, Texas. She has been recording and performing her unique blend of folk, country, and other genres since the late 1970s. She is the daughter of the late Terry Gilkyson, an accomplished songwriter noted for music he composed for Disney. She is the sister of Tony Gilkyson, who played with the Los Angeles-based bands Lone Justice and X. She has collaborated with both during the course of her career.

She received much critical acclaim for her 2005 release, Paradise Hotel, which contains songs that strike a chord with listeners in light of recent events. "Requiem" honors Hurricane Katrina and tsunami victims with hopeful pleas to the Virgin Mary, while "Man of God" is a bitter, unapologetic denouncement of President George W. Bush and his administration.

"The actions of this regime do not follow the teachings of Christ, what I call real Christianity," Gilkyson said in August 2005. "I just don't appreciate the religious right acting like I don't love God and my country just because I'm not in their corner. I'm mad and I want other people to be mad about this too."

In 2008, her album Beautiful World came out, again on Red House Records. The songs vary from pop to folk and points in-between, with songs ranging from intimate ballads to rallying cries against the imperialist machine. She recently collaborated on a new album entitled Red Horse with two of her Red House Records label-mates John Gorka and Lucy Kaplansky.

In 2011, she came out with Roses at the End of Time. Recorded at her home with the help of her son and co-producer Cisco Ryder, Gilkyson took a longer time in the studio and came out with a more eclectic and personal album. She continues to tour about 150 dates per year in the United States and overseas.
www.elizagilkyson.com

Highway
Eliza Gilkyson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

At the end of the golden age when hearts have been broken
You close your eyes and you turn the page ease your mind open
When the picture fades and finally through your hands
Remember I loved you remember I loved you remember

Eagle watching from a wooden gate ice on the bridge
Tires spinning in the hands of fate two lives that were given back
Now the fallen stars and all their scars have to heal

Remember I loved you remember I loved you remember

On the highway home when you're alone in the dark
Remember I loved you remember I loved you remember

Overall Meaning

The song "Highway" by Eliza Gilkyson starts with a melancholic note that hints at a time when everything seemed perfect but is now coming to an end. The end of the golden age could refer to various things, such as a relationship, a phase of life, or even an era in history. However, the heartbreak that accompanies this ending is universal. The lyrics mention turning the page, which could mean moving on or starting over, but it's hard to shake off the memories of what was lost. The line "ease your mind open" suggests that the singer is trying to find some peace and acceptance amidst the pain.

The second verse talks about an eagle watching from a wooden gate and tires spinning in the hands of fate. These images evoke a sense of powerlessness and vulnerability, as if someone or something is always watching and controlling our lives. The mention of fallen stars and their scars healing is a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding us that we can overcome even the toughest situations if we hold onto the love and memories we cherish. The chorus repeats the phrase "remember I loved you" three times, emphasizing the importance of love and connection in navigating life's challenges.

Overall, "Highway" is a poignant reminder that life is full of ups and downs, and that we must find ways to cope with loss and heartbreak. But at the same time, the song offers a glimmer of hope that love can sustain us even in the darkest of times.

Line by Line Meaning

At the end of the golden age when hearts have been broken
After a promising period has ended, when people are hurt and lost

You close your eyes and you turn the page ease your mind open
You try to move on and forget, but it's not easy to let go

When the picture fades and finally through your hands
When memories become distant and unattainable

Remember I loved you remember I loved you remember
Please don't forget the love that we shared and how I felt about you

Eagle watching from a wooden gate ice on the bridge
Nature is watching over us, but the world can be cold and unforgiving

Tires spinning in the hands of fate two lives that were given back
Our destiny can be unpredictable, and we may have to start over

Now the fallen stars and all their scars have to heal
The damage that's been done can still be fixed, but it takes time and effort

On the highway home when you're alone in the dark
When you're traveling through life and feeling lost and uncertain

Remember I loved you remember I loved you remember
Hold onto the love that we had, even when times are tough

Contributed by Scarlett B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it