Way Back Home
Jennifer Nettles Lyrics
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To build it, my next gilded cage with my own two hands
I've made some mistakes, I'm gonna make some more
But I'm clear, they brought me here
A world worthy of makin' em for
I'm takin off my armor, already cut to the bone
The prodigal daughter on her way back home
Burn the maps to this place, I don't need one anyway
I can find you by charting the lines to every smile on your glorious face
The past is behind me always there to remind me
To haunt me, to scare me, taunt me, to dare me to jump back below
I'm takin' off my armor, already cut to the bone
The prodigal daughter on her way back home
I'm alive and wide awake
Better that my heart should break
Than forget how to feel
So here's to chance and something real
I belly up and they ask, "girl, what do you have?"
Take one and double up drown myself in the beautiful struggle of
A life well-lived and a love worth earning
And a big heart to give to the one fiery soul who can handle my burning
I'm takin' off my armor, already cut to the bone
The prodigal daughter on her way back home
Way back home
Gonna need some more gold, workin' as hard as I can
The lyrics of Jennifer Nettles's song Way Back Home are an ode to perseverance, vulnerability, and personal growth. The opening lines convey the singer's determination to work hard and build a new life for herself, even if it means being in a golden cage. The imagery of gold and gilded cage symbolizes success, but also hints at the price one has to pay to attain it. The lines "I've made some mistakes, I'm gonna make some more" suggest a willingness to learn from past mistakes and move forward. Despite the challenges, the singer is clear that her struggles have brought her to a world that is worth fighting for.
The second verse of the song is about letting go of the past and embracing the present. The line "Burn the maps to this place, I don't need one anyway" is reminiscent of the famous quote "not all who wander are lost." The singer trusts her instincts and follows the lines on the face of the person she loves to find her way. The past is still a presence in her life, and she acknowledges that it can be haunting and scary. However, the singer dares herself to rise above it and move forward.
In the bridge, the singer celebrates life, chance, and the pursuit of something real. In her vulnerability, she accepts the risk of heartache and heartbreak in exchange for the chance to feel alive. The final verse is about surrendering to the beauty of life and love with all its struggles, rewards, and complexities. The imagery of drowning in the "beautiful struggle of a life well-lived" conveys a sense of surrender to the experience of living.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna need some more gold, workin' as hard as I can
I need more resources to achieve my goals, so I'm working tirelessly to make it happen
To build it, my next gilded cage with my own two hands
I am determined to create a better life for myself, even if it means being trapped in my own creation
I've made some mistakes, I'm gonna make some more
But I'm clear, they brought me here
A world worthy of makin' em for
Despite my past mistakes and future ones, I believe they've led me to a world where my efforts will make a difference
I'm takin off my armor, already cut to the bone
The prodigal daughter on her way back home
I'm stripping down my defenses and returning to my roots, even if it means revealing my vulnerabilities
Burn the maps to this place, I don't need one anyway
I can find you by charting the lines to every smile on your glorious face
The past is behind me always there to remind me
To haunt me, to scare me, taunt me, to dare me to jump back below
I don't need directions to find my way back because I know your smile will lead me there. My past will always be present, trying to drag me back down, but I won't let it
I'm alive and wide awake
Better that my heart should break
Than forget how to feel
So here's to chance and something real
I embrace my emotions, even if it means risking heartbreak because it's better than feeling nothing at all. I'm ready for new opportunities and authenticity
I belly up and they ask, "girl, what do you have?"
Take one and double up drown myself in the beautiful struggle of
A life well-lived and a love worth earning
And a big heart to give to the one fiery soul who can handle my burning
I may not have much, but I put everything I have into creating a fulfilling life and finding a meaningful relationship. I have a lot to offer, but it takes someone truly special to handle all of me
I'm takin' off my armor, already cut to the bone
The prodigal daughter on her way back home
Way back home
I'm letting my guard down and returning to where I belong, even if it's a difficult journey
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jennifer O Nettles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Caper
LOVE this song...Jennifer you are a beautiful amazing person...keep doing what you do best...God has gifted you with this amazing voice keep on singing girl!
Laura McComas
She is even MORE AMAZING LIVE! Just saw her this Friday. Sounds even better in person and she is a great entertainer
Shaylynn K
That voice, this girl, this song ---- ugh. Flawless.
ady lake
Just incredible,every time I listen to her ,she puts me in a good place.
Jordan Fairbanks
She never disappoints!! I love love love LOVE this!!!
Chrissy Haas
Absolutely love. One of those songs you need to see performed live. Well done, Jennifer & band!
Dawn Gauthier
OMG I need THESE songs !! She rocks !!!
sugarlandfan14
Amazing! I cannot wait to get this album! love ya Jennifer!. :)
Steven De Vellis
This song is absolutely amazing!!!!!
William H
Loving this new album.