Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Movin'
Gregory Porter Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I feel just like a kite
But one without a string
One that is floating around
I don't know what tomorrow with bring
I feel just like a bird
But one without a home
One that is floating

Full of endless oceans empty horizons no rest in sight
What does it mean when you say you want to be free
Free to sing, free to dance, free to let someone take a glance,
in a world that's free of me
Then you say, then you say, you're moving on

Then you say, I've got other plans (Oh girl no)
You movin' in the wrong direction, moving in the wrong direction (yeah)
Movin' in the wrong direction, so far away from me
You're moving in the wrong direct, moving in the wrong direction(yeah)
Moving in the wrong direction, so far away from me
Then you say, you're moving on
Then you say, you've got other plans (oh girl)

You're moving in the wrong direction, movin in the wrong direction
Lady you're moving in the wrong direction, so far away from me
I wish my momma was here a strong, strong steady rose
She would know what do, what to say, how to pray
To make things better

What does it mean, when you say you want to be free
Free sing, free to dance, free to let someone take a glance
In a world that's free of me

You're movin' in the wrong direction, moving in the wrong direction
And you're moving in the wrong direction so far away from me
Girl you're movin',well you're movin',well your movin', well you're moving away
So far away, so far away from me (Oh)

Well your moving
Well your moving
Well your moving
Well your moving
Well your moving
Well your moving
Well your moving
Well your moving ooh
Far away from me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Gregory Porter's song Movin' illustrate the feeling of being lost and unsure of what the future holds. The artist begins by comparing himself to a kite without a string, aimlessly floating around with no direction. He then continues the metaphor, feeling like a bird without a home, drifting through the endless oceans and empty horizons. The chorus of the song conveys the message of a relationship coming to an end. The singer is left feeling helpless, as the person he was deeply attached to is "moving in the wrong direction" and is "so far away from me."


The lyrics take on a deeper meaning when viewed in the context of cultural and societal issues. In several interviews, Gregory Porter has explained that the song is partly inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. He speaks of the feeling of the black community being lost and aimless, with no clear path forward. The chorus also alludes to the idea of systemic racism, with the message of "free to be me" being snatched away from many, leaving them feeling trapped and powerless.


Other interpretations of the song suggest that the lyrics represent the blues, that feeling of being lost, lonely, and abandoned. The singer seeks solace in the memory of his mother, wishing she were still around to guide him, to help him find his way. The final line of the song, "so far away from me," could represent the feeling of distance from a loved one, from one's roots, or even from oneself.


Overall, the lyrics of the song Movin' convey a mood of melancholy and uncertainty, while touching on issues that are deeply relevant to the times we live in.


Line by Line Meaning

I feel just like a kite
I feel directionless and aimless, like a kite without a string


But one without a string
I don't have anything to guide or anchor me


One that is floating around
I am drifting and wandering without a specific purpose or destination


I don't know what tomorrow with bring
I am uncertain about the future and what it holds


I feel just like a bird
I feel light and free like a bird


But one without a home
I don't have a place where I belong or feel anchored


One that is floating
I am drifting and wandering without a specific purpose or destination


Full of endless oceans empty horizons no rest in sight
I am surrounded by vast and empty possibilities with no clear path or respite in sight


What does it mean when you say you want to be free
What are the true implications of your desire for freedom?


Free to sing, free to dance, free to let someone take a glance, in a world that's free of me
Your desire for freedom includes being able to express yourself and be seen, in a world where you don't feel constrained by me


Then you say, then you say, you're moving on
You're telling me that you're leaving


Then you say, I've got other plans (Oh girl no)
You're telling me you have other things to do, which makes me worry


You movin' in the wrong direction, moving in the wrong direction (yeah)
I think you're making a mistake and heading towards something negative


Movin' in the wrong direction, so far away from me
Your path is taking you further and further away from me


You're moving in the wrong direct, moving in the wrong direction(yeah)
I'm still concerned that you're going the wrong way


Moving in the wrong direction, so far away from me
Your path is taking you further and further away from me


Then you say, you're moving on
You're telling me that you're leaving


Then you say, you've got other plans (oh girl)
You're telling me you have other things to do, which makes me worry


You're moving in the wrong direction, movin in the wrong direction
I still think you're making a mistake and heading towards something negative


Lady you're moving in the wrong direction, so far away from me
You're moving farther and farther away from me, which makes me sad


I wish my momma was here a strong, strong steady rose
I wish I had someone wise and comforting like my mom around


She would know what do, what to say, how to pray
She would know how to guide me and comfort me in this situation


To make things better
To help me feel better and find direction


Girl you're movin'
I'm still worried about you leaving


Well you're movin'
You're really making a big move here


Far away from me
And that makes me sad, because you're getting further and further from me




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GREGORY PORTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Comments from YouTube:

@taylortanner6778

Feeling down today, thank you Gregory for this comfort

@verlisiarailey422

Thank God for the healing power of music. I don’t know where I’d be without it!

@nathaliegoossens9401

vanochtend voor het eerst gehoord op de radio, gespeurd om het terug te vinden. Wat is dit mooi!!!!

@williamlavagna1096

This is my favourite song from the album.

@OneWorldSinger

I bought this album as an American living in China, and listened to it more than I had listened to any CD before. My favorite is "Movin' in the Wrong Direction."

@Goldyntuch

Love Gregory Porter...this song....a gift to us...

@babybokchoiii

I was listening to his album Liquid Spirit on a mountain hiking trip around Peak District in UK. I was playing this song on the speaker and my friends saying it's an amazing song, but it's not helping that it kept saying "we are movin' to the wrong direction". hahaha, what a fun memory.

@LilMamaSM

Heard this song in a restaurant last night, googled the lyrics and now I'm listening to it non-stop :)

@BeautelligentDiva79

Exactly what I did when I first heard it. Real catchy tune.

@handsomeblue6351

Awesome voice and creativity. The lyrics are amazing, hands down one of my favorite artists.

More Comments

More Versions