The Road
Jason Isbell Lyrics

I used to think that this was my town
I used to have a strong sense of belonging and ownership over this place

What a stupid thing to think
However, that belief was absurd and misguided

I hear you're fighting off a breakdown
I have heard that you are having difficulties and are struggling with your emotions

I myself am on the brink
In fact, I am also on the verge of breaking down too

I used to want to be a real man
I used to have a certain idea of what I thought it meant to be a true and authentic man

I don't know what that even means
But now I realize that this concept is arbitrary and meaningless

Now I just want you in my arms again
All I truly desire now is to hold you close and be with you once more

And we can search each other's dreams
So that we can explore each other's deepest desires and aspirations

I know you're tired
I am aware that you are exhausted

And you ain't sleeping well
And that you are having trouble getting sufficient rest

Uninspired
You also lack motivation and inspiration

And likely mad as hell
And are probably very angry and frustrated

But wherever you are
Yet regardless of where you find yourself

I hope the high road leads you home again
I hope that you will ultimately take the high road and find your way back home

I've heard enough of the white man's blues
I am tired of hearing music that is self-indulgent and focused solely on the struggles of white men

I've sang enough about myself
Furthermore, I am tired of writing and performing songs that are only about my own experiences and perspectives

So if you're looking for some bad news
If you are seeking negative and depressing information

You can find it somewhere else
You will have to look elsewhere to find it

Last year was a son of a bitch
The past year was incredibly difficult and unpleasant

For nearly everyone we know
This was true for almost everyone we are familiar with

But I ain't fighting with you down in the ditch
Despite this, I refuse to engage in petty fights and arguments with you

I'll meet you up here on the road
Instead, I will wait for you on the road ahead, where things are more peaceful and harmonious

We'll ride the ship down
We will face our challenges head-on and not shy away from them

Dumping buckets overboard
We will jettison everything that is holding us back and keeping us from moving forward

There can't be more of them than us
We will not be outnumbered by our obstacles or adversaries

But wherever you are
Despite any issues we face

I hope the high road leads you home again
I hope that we both take the moral high ground and return to a place of peace and contentment

To a world you want to live in
A place where we can both thrive and find happiness

To a world you want to live in
A place where we can both thrive and find happiness