Not So Far Away
Glen Burtnik Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You might feel like a stranger,
You’ve been lost in a strange land.
You might be on a distant shore,
Don’t know what they’re having planned.
You might feel you’re a million miles,
In nothing you can be sure.
You might feel you don’t have a prayer,
That you’re not so far, you’re not so far away.
You might feel you’re in danger,
Hope you don’t fade away.
Sometimes you try to reach so high,
You think that your back might break.
The signal’s out, someone’s in doubt,
When something inside you says,
That you’re not so far, you’re not so far away.
No, you’re not so far, you’re not so far away.
Lay it in those hands,
You might not know where you stand.
You walk that line, will somebody tell ya,
This is where it starts and ends?
When history repeats itself,
They’ll sell you their worn out plan,
When you’re not so far, you’re not so far away.
No, you’re not so far, you’re not so far away,
A million miles, not so far away.
Maybe you’re not so far away.
You’re not so far, you’re not so far away,
Not so far.
Glen Burtnik's song "Not So Far Away" is a powerful and moving ballad that speaks on themes of isolation, doubt, and the universal need for human connection. The lyrics of the song are directed toward someone who may be feeling lost or unsure of themselves, as if they are in a foreign land and uncertain of their place in it. Burtnik's opening lines set the tone for the rest of the piece as he sings, "You might feel like a stranger, You've been lost in a strange land."
The singer of the song is paralyzed by feelings of disconnectedness, and they are unsure of what is to come. They are afraid they will "fade away" and they walk a fine line between existence and desolation. The song encourages them to hold on, that despite their misgivings they are not so far removed from the rest of humanity. Burtnik employs a metaphor of a signal coming in clear that acts as the song's defining moment, beseeching the listener to remember that they are not alone, despite how it might feel. This signal represents hope, an anchor that roots the listener back to earth and to their inner self, as the chorus stresses the message, "you're not so far, you're not so far away."
Burtnik's vocal performance is earnest and emotional, lending a sense of gravitas to the words he sings. The song's message is ultimately one of hope and optimism, as the singer is reminded that they are part of a larger community and that they can weather whatever challenges come their way. "Not So Far Away" is a beautiful ode to human resilience and the power of connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey!
Greeting the listener.
You might feel like a stranger,
You may feel unfamiliar or disconnected from your surroundings.
You’ve been lost in a strange land.
You're lost and unsure of where you are.
You might be on a distant shore,
You may feel far from home and unsure of what's happening around you.
Don’t know what they’re having planned.
You're not aware of the intentions of those around you.
You might feel you’re a million miles,
You may feel distant or isolated from others.
In nothing you can be sure.
You don't feel confident or certain about anything at the moment.
You might feel you don’t have a prayer,
You may feel like there's no hope or chance for you.
When the signal it comes in clear,
When you finally receive a clear sign or message.
That you’re not so far, you’re not so far away.
You're not as distant or disconnected as you thought.
You might feel you’re in danger,
You may feel like you're in a risky or unsafe situation.
Hope you don’t fade away.
You hope you won't lose yourself or give up.
Sometimes you try to reach so high,
Sometimes you push yourself beyond your limits.
You think that your back might break.
You feel like you can't handle any more pressure or stress.
The signal’s out, someone’s in doubt,
You're not receiving clear signals, and others may question your decisions or actions.
When something inside you says,
Your intuition or instincts are telling you something.
That you’re not so far, you’re not so far away.
You're closer than you think to finding your way or resolving the situation.
No, you’re not so far, you’re not so far away.
Repeating the message that you're not as far as you feel.
Lay it in those hands,
Trust in a higher power or outside force.
You might not know where you stand.
You may not be sure of your position or status.
You walk that line, will somebody tell ya,
You're trying to navigate a delicate situation, and you need guidance or advice.
This is where it starts and ends?
Is this the beginning and end of the situation?
When history repeats itself,
When similar events or patterns occur again.
They’ll sell you their worn out plan,
Others may try to sell you a mediocre or ineffective solution that's been used before.
When you’re not so far, you’re not so far away.
Despite feeling lost or disconnected, you're actually closer than you think to finding a solution or resolution.
No, you’re not so far, you’re not so far away,
Repeating the message of hope and reassurance.
A million miles, not so far away.
Even a great distance can be overcome.
Maybe you’re not so far away.
Perhaps you're closer than you realize.
You’re not so far, you’re not so far away,
Repeating the message and emphasizing the fact that the listener is not as disconnected or isolated as they feel.
Not so far.
Slightly repeating the message one last time.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: THOMAS WILLIAM COCHRANE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PopCrusher
my comfort movie
@LaraLeeCupcake
I had no idea Glen did a song for Bill and Ted! So cool. Thanks!
@salvasirignano
I've never watched the film, but I love this song!
@michaelrussell3890
Do yourself a favour and watch it. It's a classic
@love.lies.bleedang
Its been 4 years,I hope you watched the movie.
@tammie1078
Nice, I like it
@joeshmoe452
The intro sounds like you steped into the future.
@MonkKenan
Vanguard, This is during their history report in the auditorium with all the historical dudes.
@moving-spaces
That version sounded more like an instrumental and this version doesn't even have one solo in it. Would you know where to hear the version used in the movie?
@MonkKenan
Maybe the soundtrack has it on there. I've never heard the version on the soundtrack..