Tightrope
Hayward Justin Lyrics


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Yes I used to walk the highwire every night
Yes I used to walk the tightrope
But it got too tight.
I walked the straight and narrow line
My head was spinning round
I worked without a safety net
But it was such a long way down.
Yes I used to walk the highwire every night
Yes I used to walk the tightrope
But you need a head for heights.
I walked the straight and narrow rope
My head was spinning round
I worked without a safety net
But it was such a long way down.

Oh you might have seen us
If we came to your town
This game's made for heroes
And clowns.
Not thinking about tomorrow
Living for today
I never left a note saying
I'm going away.

I used to walk the highwire every night
Oh I used to walk the tightrope
But it got too tight.
I walked the straight and narrow line
My head was spinning round




I worked without a safety net
But it was such a long way down.

Overall Meaning

Hayward Justin's song Tightrope is a classic rock ballad that speaks to the life of a performer who once walked the highwire every night, but who eventually had to confront the harsh reality of that lifestyle. Through the metaphor of the tightrope, the lyrics reflect on the pressures and challenges of a performer's life, as well as the risks involved in living on the edge. The image of walking the tightrope is used to convey the sense of danger and uncertainty that often accompanies the pursuit of one's dreams.


The first verse sets the stage for the song, with the performer recalling his days on the highwire. He used to walk the tightrope every night, but eventually he found that it got too tight. The second verse echoes the first, but adds the insight that walking the tightrope requires a head for heights. The chorus repeats the same lines, driving home the message that it's a long way down from the highwire. The bridge of the song takes a more reflective turn, with the performer acknowledging that the life of a performer is not easy. The final verse brings the song full circle, repeating the same lines as the first verse to tie everything together.


Overall, Hayward Justin's Tightrope is a poignant reflection on the ups and downs of a performer's life, and the risks that come with living on the edge. Through its powerful imagery and heartfelt lyrics, the song conveys a sense of the fragile beauty of the human experience.


Line by Line Meaning

Yes I used to walk the highwire every night
I used to live dangerously by taking risks regularly


Yes I used to walk the tightrope
I used to be fearless in the face of danger


But it got too tight.
But eventually the risks became too great to continue taking


I walked the straight and narrow line
I started living a more honest and straightforward life


My head was spinning round
I was overwhelmed by the changes I had made in my life


I worked without a safety net
I took risks without any guarantee of safety


But it was such a long way down.
But the consequences of my actions were potentially dire


Oh you might have seen us
You may have witnessed my performances


If we came to your town
If we performed in your area


This game's made for heroes
This career path is often reserved for brave and daring individuals


And clowns.
And those who can make others laugh and forget their worries


Not thinking about tomorrow
Living in the moment without concern for the future


Living for today
Focusing on enjoying the present moment


I never left a note saying
I never announced my departure or explained my actions


I'm going away.
I left without telling anyone or saying goodbye




Lyrics © Fintage House Publishing
Written by: JUSTIN HAYWARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@franklinpalma2662

Dugabowski Duga, muchas gracias por compartir éste formidable tema de Justin Hayward; todo un gran clásico. Saludos desde Perú.

@mikereiss4216

Justin has not just a distinctive voice but also a very distinctive guitar sound.

@russelosborne246

I had this album when it first came out. Brings back so many memories. Wish I could go back.

@wodenoftheangles3339

Don't we all, Russel. Don't we all..

@davidmickel5808

I always loved this album, it was at a strange time in the music business and he still has the Moody Blues sound.

@catdustycat

Great Song.. getting into Justin's solo works all these years later.. - Tom B. Delaware / Brooklyn NY

@mattdwyer9432

A' hidden gem', hard to find, if you don't know the name...Love this artist's work, solo or with The Moodies!

@JoseRodrigues-hl4gf

Obrigado Justin por estas músicas maravilhosas que eu ouço á tantos anos 🎼🎼🎼

@debussy10

Musical track seems to be recorded at a slower speed, then sped up and vocals added; the horns, drummer and keyboard player sound supernaturally fast. Oddly, the horns remind me of Zappa who occasionally sped things up as well. An interesting musical stretch for Hayward.

@nortledorfus

George Martin did this a lot with the Beatles too.

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