I'd Rather Be Gone
Hank Williams Jr. Lyrics


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I feel like a stranger in this home I built for you.
And I can't understand this awful change you're goin' through.
And lately I've been watchin' you grow colder everyday.
And I'd rather be gone than in your way.

I'd rather be gone than in your way.
I'd rather see someone else here in my place.
And if I decide on leavin' my world will end today.
But I'd rather be gone than in your way.

I'd rather be gone than in your way.
I'd rather see someone else here in my place.
And if I decide on leavin' my world will end today.




But I'd rather be gone than in your way.
I'd rather be gone than in your way.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Hank Williams Jr.'s "I'd Rather Be Gone" are a portrayal of a man experiencing a complex mix of emotions in response to a deteriorating romantic relationship. The song conveys the message that it is better to accept the end of a relationship than suffer in an unfulfilling and unhappy one. The opening lines, "I feel like a stranger in this home I built for you," indicate that the singer has put in considerable effort into the relationship but feels alienated in a setting that no longer feels like home.


He goes on to express his confusion and dismay due to the sudden changes in his partner, "And I can't understand this awful change you're goin' through. And lately, I've been watching you grow colder every day." He recognizes that the relationship has become unsustainable and that it is time to leave, even if it means the world for him is going to end. Thus, the chorus, "I'd rather be gone than in your way." He would prefer to see someone else take his place rather than being a hindrance to the happiness that he can no longer provide.


In conclusion, "I'd Rather Be Gone" by Hank Williams Jr. encapsulates a break-up situation with gravitas and understanding. The feelings of detachment, confusion, and pain one feels in such a circumstance are portrayed through the singer's words with profound insight and sensitivity.


Line by Line Meaning

I feel like a stranger in this home I built for you.
I feel like an outsider in my own creation, the home that I built for you.


And I can't understand this awful change you're goin' through.
I cannot comprehend the terrible transformation that you are experiencing.


And lately I've been watchin' you grow colder everyday.
I have observed you becoming increasingly distant every day.


And I'd rather be gone than in your way.
I would prefer to not be here if I am only a burden to you.


I'd rather see someone else here in my place.
I would rather have someone else occupy my position.


And if I decide on leavin' my world will end today.
If I make the choice to depart, my entire world will collapse.


But I'd rather be gone than in your way.
Nevertheless, I would still rather leave than hinder you.


I'd rather be gone than in your way.
I would still rather not impose on you than cause problems.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HAGGARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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