singer-songwriter and actor. He has also performed and recorded with the English Folk-Rock act Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit.
Flynn released his debut album, A Larum, in 2008. This was followed by the Sweet William EP in 2009 and his second album Been Listening in 2010. 'Been Listening' includes the singles album Kentucky Pill, Barnacled Warship and The Water, which features a duet with Laura Marling.
Country Mile
Johnny Flynn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seems I’ll do that old rag, takes me all kinds of ways
Except the way I’d be headed if I knew where I was going
But I’m from the country, and it’s better not knowing
And I’ve only got so near (Illuminate me)
And I’ve only gone so far (Illuminate me)
And I’ll walk another country mile
The poplars, and willows, and birds pass me by
The mould of the earth to the space in the sky
Free from my roots and I’m lost in the wind
Wind on the mountain, and the mountain’s my friend
And I’ve only got so near (Illuminate me)
And I’ve only gone so far (Illuminate me)
And I’ll walk another country mile
I’ll see another star
Hemlock and yew have me toeing the line
Questions come knocking, I’ll answer in time
But the seams of the soil unravel with ease
Nose to the road and I’m painfully free
And I’ve only got so near (Illuminate me)
And I’ve only gone so far (Illuminate me)
And I’ll walk another country mile
I’ll see another star
Call me the wind in the hole
Blowing my way to the call
I’ll dust up the days 'til I’ve gone every way
No less and I’ve never wanted more, more, more
Lost on the bough in a golden refrain
Sleep goes away and the day comes again
But the rain on my cap has me chasing a roof
I’ll be this young choice 'til I’m long in the tooth
And I’ve only got so near (Illuminate me)
And I’ve only gone so far (Illuminate me)
And I’ll walk another country mile
I’ll see another star
And I’ve only got so near (Illuminate me)
And I’ve only gone so far (Illuminate me)
And I’ll walk another country mile
I’ll see another star
Illuminate me
Illuminate me
Johnny Flynn's song "01 Country Mile" is an introspective and nostalgic piece that touches on themes of wanderlust, freedom, and the beauty of being lost. The song describes the journey of the singer as he traverses the countryside, walking through fields and mountains, and marveling at the natural world around him. The line "Seems I’ll do that old rag, takes me all kinds of ways" suggests that the singer is not following a set path or direction, but is instead led by his curiosity and desire to explore. He acknowledges that he does not know where he is going, but this does not bother him. As someone from the country, he finds comfort in not knowing exactly what lies ahead.
The chorus of the song ("Illuminate me") seems to call out to the universe, asking for a deeper understanding of the world and the singer's place in it. The repetition of the line "And I’ll walk another country mile, I’ll see another star" emphasizes the singer's eagerness to continue his journey, to keep exploring and experiencing the world around him. He is not content with just being in one place; he wants to see and learn more.
The final stanza of the song brings a somewhat melancholic tone, as the singer realizes that all good things must come to an end. He cannot keep wandering forever and acknowledges that one day he too will grow old ("I’ll be this young choice 'til I’m long in the tooth"). Nonetheless, he resolves to continue his journey for as long as he can, to keep walking and seeing new things.
Line by Line Meaning
I've walked in the fields, and I’ve trod light for days
I've wandered across various fields and walked with a weightless step for several days
Seems I’ll do that old rag, takes me all kinds of ways
I will continue to travel aimlessly and be led in all directions by fate
Except the way I’d be headed if I knew where I was going
I am purposely avoiding the direction I should take if I had a clear destination
But I’m from the country, and it’s better not knowing
As a country person, not knowing where to go is better than being bound to a predetermined path
And I’ve only got so near (Illuminate me)
And I’ve only gone so far (Illuminate me)
And I’ll walk another country mile
I’ll see another star
Although I have traveled some distance, I still have a long way to go, and I will keep moving to discover new things
The poplars, and willows, and birds pass me by
The mould of the earth to the space in the sky
Free from my roots and I’m lost in the wind
Wind on the mountain, and the mountain’s my friend
As I walk, the landscape and all its living things pass me by. I am detached from my origin and swept away by the wind, which feels like a friend
Hemlock and yew have me toeing the line
Questions come knocking, I’ll answer in time
But the seams of the soil unravel with ease
Nose to the road and I’m painfully free
I am constrained by the plants around me and sometimes feel uncertain, but I will find answers eventually. The earth's layers are loose and easy to disturb, and although I feel pained at times, I am still free to wander
Call me the wind in the hole
Blowing my way to the call
I’ll dust up the days 'til I’ve gone every way
No less and I’ve never wanted more, more, more
I am like a gust of wind blowing in every direction. I will keep exploring until I've exhausted every path, and I am content with this way of living
Lost on the bough in a golden refrain
Sleep goes away and the day comes again
But the rain on my cap has me chasing a roof
I’ll be this young choice 'til I’m long in the tooth
I am lost in a beautiful melody, but I cannot rest for long before the day starts anew. The rain reminds me of my need for shelter, but I will continue to live this way for a long time, even until I am old
Illuminate me
Illuminate me
Help me see things more clearly
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Johnny Flynn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ali da Silva
I've walked in the fields, and I’ve trod light for days
Seems I’ll do that old rag, takes me all kinds of ways
Except the way I’d be headed if I knew where I was going
But I’m from the country, and it’s better not knowing
And I’ve only got so near (illuminate me)
And I’ve only gone so far (illuminate me)
And I’ll walk another country mile
I’ll see another star
The poplars, and willows, and birds pass me by
The mould of the earth to the space in the sky
Free from my roots and I’m lost in the wind
Wind on the mountain, and the mountain’s my friend
And I’ve only got so near (illuminate me)
And I’ve only gone so far (illuminate me)
And I’ll walk another country mile
I’ll see another star
Hemlock and yew have me toeing the line
Questions come knocking, I’ll answer in time
But the seams of the soil unravel with ease
Nose to the road and I’m painfully free
And I’ve only got so near (illuminate me)
And I’ve only gone so far (illuminate me)
And I’ll walk another country mile
I’ll see another star
Call me the wind in the hole
Blowing my way to the call
I’ll dust up the days 'til I’ve gone every way
No less and I’ve never wanted more, more, more
Lost on the bough in a golden refrain
Sleep goes away and the day comes again
But the rain on my cap has me chasing a roof
I’ll be this young choice 'til I’m long in the tooth
And I’ve only got so near (illuminate me)
And I’ve only gone so far (illuminate me)
And I’ll walk another country mile
I’ll see another star
And I’ve only got so near (illuminate me)
And I’ve only gone so far (illuminate me)
And I’ll walk another country mile
I’ll see another star
Illuminate me
Illuminate me
Abhrajita Bhattacharya
What an amazing song. Beautiful rhythm!! What a talented person Johnny is!! Loads of love!!
Rama Drama
That moment when you discover your new favourite artist. What a gem!
TabbyclawProductions
ikr!
marwa yassin
Exactly!!! I discovered hom almost 7 years ago and haven't listened to him really for a year now and i misssss his music
Alessia Cattò
New fan here (thanks to Emma). I LOVE this song. It represents well how I feel when I walk in the nature or I'm urban exploring. Freedom and peace. This lockdown is really hard but you are helping a lot with your tv series/movies and music. Lots of love from Italy!
Warrilow
Ahhh, Johnny. The album is killer. It really really is. Have to say, there was a twinge of jealousy when I saw Johnny at Green Man Festival this year for the first time. Tearing it up on the guitar, flawless singing, then he picks up a trumpet and shreds on that. Leave some talent for the rest of us...
Joseph Merriman
This is beautiful. Well done Mr Flynn.
Kesia Jones
The whole album is so perfect, great stuff Mr Flynn
Ethan Kinderknecht
A Country Mile is a Very Long Way. Johnny Flynn has come a very long way. Such a beautiful song and album. Way to go Brother!!!
Fiona Hare
These lyrics are my Life. Thank you for writing them. I feel less out of place. 💛🙏❤️