In addition to being a gifted songwriter, Isbell is regarded as an exceptional guitar player. His style is mostly in the alt-country genre, but is also infused with rock and blues elements.
Jason Isbell's debut solo album Sirens from the Ditch was released on July 10th, 2007, on New West Records. With his band The 400 Unit, he toured in support of this release in the US and Canada during the summer and fall of 2007. Both Isbell and the band released a follow-up album, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit on February 17, 2009.
Chicago Promenade
Jason Isbell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll do the Chicago promenade
My back was turned I did not see
That shadow climbing up on me
I took my turn at fixing hearts
But that goes bad before it starts
I'm desperate now, I must say
If I die now before I'm old
My story will be less than told
There's so much more to suffer through
Before I meet again with you
And I've tried so hard and I've been so blind
I thought we could all grieve, one at a time
I lost a friend, it felt like five
A man who wouldn't compromise
I'll think of him on New Year's day
And do the Chicago promenade
The lyrics to Jason Isbell's song 'Chicago Promenade' paint a picture of a man at a crossroads, grappling with the consequences of his choices and the weight of the past. The opening lines, "My door is locked, my debts are paid, I'll do the Chicago promenade" suggest a sense of finality and a decision made to move on. However, the shadow climbing up on him and the reference to fixing hearts only to have it go bad before it starts suggest that the past is not so easily left behind.
The chorus, "If I die now before I'm old, my story will be less than told, there's so much more to suffer through before I meet again with you," reveals a sense of regret and a feeling that there is unfinished business left in the world. The final verse, with its references to loss and grieving, adds to this sense of unfinished business and the need to keep moving forward. "I lost a friend, it felt like five, a man who wouldn't compromise, I'll think of him on New Year's day and do the Chicago promenade," suggests a longing for connection and a need to honor the past, while still moving forward.
Overall, the lyrics to 'Chicago Promenade' convey a sense of longing, regret, and a desire to move forward, while still acknowledging the past. The imagery of the Chicago promenade, with its associations with walking and exploring, suggest that this is a journey that the singer must take alone, but not without the memories and experiences of the past.
Line by Line Meaning
My door is locked, my debts are paid
I have fulfilled all my responsibilities, and now I am free to enjoy myself.
I'll do the Chicago promenade
I will take a leisurely walk around the city of Chicago.
My back was turned I did not see
I was not paying attention, and I missed the warning signs.
That shadow climbing up on me
The consequences of my past choices are catching up to me.
I took my turn at fixing hearts
I tried to mend broken relationships and heal emotional wounds.
But that goes bad before it starts
My efforts were futile and did not lead to any positive changes.
I'm desperate now, I must say
I am feeling hopeless and in need of a fresh start.
If I die now before I'm old
If I pass away prematurely,
My story will be less than told
My life will be incomplete, with many experiences left unshared.
There's so much more to suffer through
There are still many more challenges and hardships I must face.
Before I meet again with you
Before I am reunited with a loved one who has passed away.
And I've tried so hard and I've been so blind
Despite my best efforts, I was unable to see the truth and failed to make progress.
I thought we could all grieve, one at a time
I believed that mourning and healing could happen at our own pace, but it turns out it is much harder than that.
I lost a friend, it felt like five
The pain of losing a close friend was so intense that it felt like I had lost multiple friends at once.
A man who wouldn't compromise
My friend was principled and not willing to make sacrifices or concessions.
I'll think of him on New Year's day
I will reflect on the memories and times I shared with my friend on the upcoming holiday.
And do the Chicago promenade
I will take a walk in the city of Chicago and remember my friend who has passed away.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jason Isbell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tanighuman6940
Don't understand how this doesn't have more views..amazing song.
@lonniemanuel9570
I know he works at it but my God it comes out seemingly without effort.
@paulmetroka6597
He is brilliant
@rogerfish2585
"If I die now before I'm old, my story will be less than told
There is so much more to suffer through before I meet again with you"