I'm On My Way
George MacKay & Kevin Guthrie Lyrics
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I'm on my way from misery to happiness today
I'm on my way to what I want from this world
And years from now you'll make it to the next world
And everything that you receive up yonder
Is what you gave to me the day I wandered
I took a right, I took a right turning yesterday
I took the road that brought me to your home town
I took the bus to streets that I could walk down
I walked the streets to find the one I'd looked for
I climbed the stair that led me to your front door
And now that I don't want for anthing
I'd have Al Jolson sing "I'm sitting on top of the world"
I'll do my best, I'll do my best to do the best I can
I'll do my best, I'll do my best to do the best I can
To keep my feet from jumping from the ground dear
To keep my heart from jumping through my mouth dear
To keep the past, the past and not the present
To try and learn when you teach me a lesson
And now that I don't want for anything
I'd have Al Jolson sing "I'm sitting on top of the world"
The lyrics of George MacKay & Kevin Guthrie's "I'm on My Way" describe someone who has been through a period of misery and is now finally on the way to happiness. They are grateful for everything they've received along the way and vow to keep doing their best to achieve their goals. The first verse suggests that the person is leaving behind a difficult situation and is finally making progress towards their desired future. They are confident that they will make it to their destination and are hopeful for what lies ahead. The next two lines imply that the person believes in an afterlife, and that everything they receive there will be determined by the kindness and generosity they've shown to others in their lifetime. The final line reveals that the person has been helped by someone they encountered on their journey and is grateful for their contribution to their happiness.
The second verse describes the journey that led them to their present happiness. They took a turning that led them to their hometown and made their way to the person's front door. The third verse reflects on the changes the person has undergone since finding happiness. They are determined to learn from their past mistakes and focus on the present. The final line expresses their joy and contentment, with a nod to Al Jolson and his song "I'm Sitting on Top of the World."
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on my way from misery to happiness today
I am moving towards happiness after experiencing sadness
I'm on my way to what I want from this world
I am striving for my desires
And years from now you'll make it to the next world
In the future, you will reach the afterlife
And everything that you receive up yonder
Everything received in heaven
Is what you gave to me the day I wandered
What you gave to me in life will determine what you receive in heaven
I took a right, I took a right turning yesterday
I made a decision that brought me to where I am now
I took the road that brought me to your home town
I followed a specific path to arrive at your hometown
I walked the streets to find the one I'd looked for
I searched for someone specific while roaming the streets
I climbed the stair that led me to your front door
I ascended the stairs that led me to where you reside
And now that I don't want for anything
Now that I have everything I need
I'll do my best, I'll do my best to do the best I can
I will try my hardest to be the best I can be
To keep my feet from jumping from the ground dear
To stay grounded and not get too excited
To keep my heart from jumping through my mouth dear
To keep my emotions under control
To keep the past, the past and not the present
To not let the past affect the present
To try and learn when you teach me a lesson
I will try to learn from the lessons you teach me
I'd have Al Jolson sing "I'm sitting on top of the world"
I am so content that I feel like I am on top of the world
Writer(s): CRAIG REID, CHARLES REID
Contributed by Lincoln Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.