Gilmore also played "Smokey" in The Big Lebowski
Headed for a Fall
Jimmie Dale Gilmore Lyrics
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You might be waiting for a call
There might be only stars to see
If you're not waiting there for me
I believe you're headed for a fall
You might be staring in your mirror
Crying while you put your makeup onWhere you gonna go tonight
To find the thing that makes it right
What will you do when you find It's gone?
Don't put your dreams way up there in the clouds
I don't think that's what It's all about
You can't get much higher when you're so above it all
I'll be waiting here when you hit bottom
I believe you're headed for a fall.
We'll have days together in the sunshine
Autumn's twilight, winter's darkness too
Darlin' I will hold you, my love will enfold you
Cause you need me, Babe, just like I need you
Don't put your dreams way up there in the clouds
I don't think that's what It's all about
You can't get much higher when you're so above it all
I'll be waiting here when you hit bottom
I believe you're headed for a fall.
The lyrics of Jimmie Dale Gilmore's song "Headed for a Fall" are essentially about a relationship that is on the brink of falling apart. The first verse describes the singer's concern that his partner might be losing interest in him and seeking attention elsewhere, hence her checking her mailbox and phone constantly, and the absence of her waiting for him. The second verse paints a picture of his partner getting ready to go out on her own looking for something that seems lost or unattainable, leading the singer to believe that his partner might be "headed for a fall."
The chorus, which is repeated multiple times throughout the song, offers a message of hope and reassurance to his partner. The singer is urging his partner not to set her sights too high and to keep her dreams grounded in reality, because when they are too far away in the clouds, it can lead to disappointment or heartbreak as they become unattainable. The singer is pledging to be there for his partner when she reaches "bottom," demonstrating his commitment and love for her, and letting her know that their relationship is worth fighting for.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of vulnerability, insecurity, and fear of losing something precious. It is a heartfelt plea to his partner to stick with him through thick and thin, and an acknowledgment that relationships require effort and compromise.
Line by Line Meaning
You might be peeking in your mailbox
You might be checking your mailbox, hoping to receive something important.
You might be waiting for a call
You might be anxiously waiting for someone to call you.
There might be only stars to see
If I'm not with you, you might only have the stars to keep you company.
If you're not waiting there for me
If we're not waiting for each other, we might miss each other entirely.
I believe you're headed for a fall
I think you're setting yourself up for disappointment or failure.
You might be staring in your mirror
You might be looking in the mirror, trying to fix your appearance.
Crying while you put your makeup on
You might be crying while you put on makeup, trying to hide your emotions.
Where you gonna go tonight
Where do you plan to go tonight?
To find the thing that makes it right
Are you going out to look for something that will make you happy?
What will you do when you find It's gone?
What will you do if you can't find what you're looking for?
Don't put your dreams way up there in the clouds
Don't set unrealistic goals that are too hard to achieve.
I don't think that's what It's all about
I don't think that's what life is really about.
You can't get much higher when you're so above it all
You won't find happiness or fulfillment if you're disconnected from reality.
I'll be waiting here when you hit bottom
I'll be here when you need me, even if you experience failure or hardship.
We'll have days together in the sunshine
We'll have happy times together.
Autumn's twilight, winter's darkness too
We'll be there for each other during difficult times.
Darlin' I will hold you, my love will enfold you
I'll comfort you and protect you with my love.
Cause you need me, Babe, just like I need you
We both rely on each other for support and happiness.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID HAMMOND, JIMMIE DALE GILMORE, KEVIN STEPHEN WELCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind