However, for a brief period of time in the 1970s, she was one of Country Music's best-selling artists in her own right, acclaimed for her million-selling 1975 Country Pop crossover hit "I'm Not Lisa" and several best-selling albums. She became known as the "first lady" of the Outlaw country movement.
The Canyon
Jessi Colter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't bring your bit to my mouth
Don't lay your blanket on my body
Just take your saddle and move out
Just take your saddle and move out
You were playin' with my fire
You put your brand on my heart
Eye to eye we stand apart
It's a long way down the canyon
Only the stars would see you fall
If you only wanted your way
I believe you should take it all
I believe you should take it all
I've been beside you for a long way
I've tried to let you have it all
But the canyon's goin' narrow
Seems there's room for one that's all
Seems there's room for one that's all
It's a long way down the canyon
Only the stars could see you fall
If you only wanted your way
I believe you should take it all
I believe you should take it all
In Jessi Colter's song, "The Canyon", the singer is addressing a lover or partner who has crossed her boundaries and hurt her emotionally. She starts by warning him not to lay his bridle on her shoulder or bring his bit to her mouth, metaphorically telling him not to control her like a horse. She refuses to let him lay his blanket on her body, and tells him to take his saddle and leave. She will not allow him to manipulate or stampede her.
The singer acknowledges that this person has left an impact on her heart, putting his brand on it, but she compares their relationship to two wild colts standing apart in fury. She is done with being held back and restrained. The chorus talks about the long and narrow canyon, where only the stars can see you fall. She tells him that if he only wanted his way, he should take it all.
In the second verse, the singer continues to describe their complicated relationship, how she's been beside him for a long way, and she tried to let him have it all. However, the canyon is getting narrower, and there is no room for both of them. She seems to be warning him that he should take what he wants before he has to fight for it; she is tired of being suppressed and is ready to assert herself.
Overall, "The Canyon" is a song about a relationship that has become toxic, with one person dominating and the other feeling trapped. The singer is done with being controlled and held back, and is ready to move on with her life.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't lay your bridle on my shoulder
Don't try to control me, don't put your problems on me
Don't bring your bit to my mouth
Don't force me to do something against my will
Don't lay your blanket on my body
Don't expect me to be your comfort or shelter
Just take your saddle and move out
Leave me be and take all your baggage with you
You were playin' with my fire
You were taking advantage of my passion
You put your brand on my heart
You made me fall in love with you
But like a wild colt in its fury
But like a wild animal, I cannot be tamed
Eye to eye we stand apart
We are fundamentally different and cannot understand each other
It's a long way down the canyon
The journey ahead is difficult and dangerous
Only the stars would see you fall
No one will be there to witness your failure or downfall
If you only wanted your way
If all you wanted was to fulfill your own desires
I believe you should take it all
You should take responsibility and deal with the consequences of your actions
I've been beside you for a long way
I've been supporting you for a while
I've tried to let you have it all
I've tried to give you everything you wanted
But the canyon's goin' narrow
But our options are becoming limited
Seems there's room for one that's all
It seems like only one of us can make it out of this situation
Contributed by Evan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tara Norris
This song is a true testament of Love, even in pain, real love wants the best for you even if it ain't them.
teeger66
I have never heard this song before..it is a beautiful song..as only Jessi could sing it. I love her piano playing in the background too. Waylon would be so proud! An excellent choice...Eddie!
teeger66
Thank you again...Eddie...for this truly lovely song! Someone wrote that Waylon only lived as long as he did..because he had Jessi. I believe that...and he even expressed that himself. She was the great love of his life...storms and all!
dustydesert
Shivers down my spine, so emotional, just love the piano RIP Waylon, love from the UK
Dawn Hurst-Stultz
This song is breathtakingly beautiful! Thank you for sharing your life (and pain) in song. You have been my favourite female singer since '75. Love, Dawn
Dawn Hurst-Stultz
this is maybe her best song so far, ever! I love her.
teeger66
You couldn't write this kind of stuff...if you didn't love someone like she loved him....and unlike so many of us...is able to express it so beautifully...and how much she still misses him!
Dawn Hurst-Stultz
I've LOVEd her ever since h.s. when "I'm Not Lisa" was out. The new album after Waylon is exquisitely beautiful!
Bill P
Just when you think you have seen the best you tube videos ever, a jewel like this one comes along! Great singer, great song, and really nice collection of photos.
Jonathan Kieran
Love this album and song from Miss Jessi Colter. This is my fave from that great 'Ashes' album. Soul.