Either Way
Jeff Bridges Lyrics


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Lookin' down that highway far as I can see
Where I left so much of me
It's gone, gone, gone
It's how it has to be
Went in the ditch goin' 95
I can't believe that I walked away alive

I was going too fast
In the breakdown lane
I may be walkin', I may be walkin'
I'll get there just the same

The woman I love, she never let me down
Never said that my dream could not be found
I had to burn before I could learn
She let me go, she let me go

She let me return
This is the place where I was meant to be
Movin' on with you next to me
And when that highway comes to a 't'

Either way is a mystery
Lookin' down that highway far as I can see
Where I left so much of me
It's gone, gone, gone





It's how it has to be

Overall Meaning

The song Either Way, sung by Jeff Bridges, is a melancholy contemplation on life's journey and the choices we make. The lyrics, "Lookin' down that highway far as I can see, Where I left so much of me," suggest an introspection, a self-critique of sorts. The highway is a metaphor for life's journey. The singer looks back at the road of his life, aware that he has left behind a large part of himself, the person he used to be.


The line "It's how it has to be," is an acceptance of fate, the reality that some things or events cannot be changed. The reference to the accident, "Went in the ditch goin' 95, I can't believe that I walked away alive," is a realization that life can be fragile and uncertain, a fleeting moment that can disappear in an instant. Despite the close encounter with death, the singer doesn't wallow in self-pity but instead takes responsibility for the situation, admitting, "I was going too fast, In the breakdown lane."


The song's message is about resilience, perseverance, and the idea of moving on, "This is the place where I was meant to be. Movin' on with you next to me." The person he is referring to could be anyone, perhaps a lover or friend. The last line of the song, "Either way is a mystery," is a beautiful way to sum up the idea that life is unpredictable, and we cannot know what will happen in the future. The only certainty is that we must live in the moment and take responsibility for the choices we make.


Line by Line Meaning

Lookin' down that highway far as I can see
Reflecting on the past, and acknowledging the regrets and opportunities missed.


Where I left so much of me
Grieving the loss of time and moments that cannot be recovered.


It's gone, gone, gone
Comprehending the irrevocability of the past.


It's how it has to be
Accepting the consequences of one's choices, and recognizing that some things can't be undone.


Went in the ditch goin' 95
Taking risks and pushing boundaries, knowing that things could go wrong at any moment.


I can't believe that I walked away alive
Feeling grateful for second chances and blessings in life when things could have gone much worse.


I was going too fast
Realizing that sometimes, it takes a mistake to learn a lesson.


In the breakdown lane
Going through a rough patch or a moment of weakness, and finding a way to get through it.


I may be walkin', I may be walkin'
Accepting that progress may be slow, but it's still progress.


I'll get there just the same
Being patient and trusting that things will eventually work out in their own time.


The woman I love, she never let me down
Having a supportive and loving partner who stands by you through thick and thin.


Never said that my dream could not be found
Believing in one's aspirations and having someone who shares these aspirations, even when others may not see the same potential.


I had to burn before I could learn
Learning from mistakes and setbacks, and recognizing how they can lead to growth and resilience.


She let me go, she let me go
Having someone who is willing to let you make your own decisions and learn from them, even if that means losing them for a while.


She let me return
Having someone who is willing to take you back and support you, even after you have made mistakes and experienced setbacks.


This is the place where I was meant to be
Feeling content and fulfilled in one's current situation, and recognizing that everything happens for a reason.


Movin' on with you next to me
Having someone by your side as you go through life's adventures and challenges, and feeling grateful for their presence.


And when that highway comes to a 't'
Recognizing that life is full of decisions and crossroads, and having to make choices that will shape one's future.


Either way is a mystery
Accepting that the future is uncertain, and that whatever path one chooses will have its own set of joys and challenges.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ROBERT FRANKLIN RAMSEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

safaksle

Lookin' down that highway far as I can see 
Where I left so much of me 
It's gone, gone, gone 
It's how it has to be 

Went in the ditch goin' 95 
I can't believe that I walked away alive 
I was going too fast 
In the breakdown lane 

I may be walkin', I may be walkin' 
I'll get there just the same 

The woman I love, she never let me down 
Never said that my dream could not be found 
I had to burn before I could learn 
She let me go, she let me go 
She let me return

This is the place where I was meant to be 
Movin' on with you next to me 
And when that highway comes to a 't' 
Either way is a mystery 

Lookin' down that highway far as I can see 
Where I left so much of me 
It's gone, gone, gone 
It's how it has to be



All comments from YouTube:

Edward Teach

Love this song, awesome , Jeff thank you

Surfing Bruce

Hermosa música!!! Thank you so much for posting!!! Gracias!!!!

Deborah Perkins

Amazing voice gives me goosebumps xxxxxxxxxxxxx

VINYLBEATLES

Jeff, man I have to say, he calm down my soul when it´s on fire

safaksle

Lookin' down that highway far as I can see 
Where I left so much of me 
It's gone, gone, gone 
It's how it has to be 

Went in the ditch goin' 95 
I can't believe that I walked away alive 
I was going too fast 
In the breakdown lane 

I may be walkin', I may be walkin' 
I'll get there just the same 

The woman I love, she never let me down 
Never said that my dream could not be found 
I had to burn before I could learn 
She let me go, she let me go 
She let me return

This is the place where I was meant to be 
Movin' on with you next to me 
And when that highway comes to a 't' 
Either way is a mystery 

Lookin' down that highway far as I can see 
Where I left so much of me 
It's gone, gone, gone 
It's how it has to be

Daniela Amado Rabelo

Amazing soundtrack and great movie. I love your crazy heart, God bless you, Jeff. Your Bad made me wonder about life, love, peace and all things that round us every day. Thank you!

steve devotion

Crazy heart was a great soundtrack, but this is actually from another jeff bridges album.

Scott Lennan

EXCELLENT that Jeff would cover a Bo Ramsey song that was only ever available on CASSETTE.

Bo, PLEASE release the album on vinyl!!!

Vraja Dasi

Love it.

anonymous457

i want his guitar

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