Five Hundred Miles
Justin Timberlake Carey Mulligan & Stark Sands Lyrics

The lyrics to "Five Hundred Miles" by Justin Timberlake, Carey Mulligan, and Stark Sands tell the story of a person who is a long way from home, unable to return due to some unknown circumstances. The opening lines of the song, "If you missed the train I'm on / You will know that I am gone / You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles," suggest that the singer is physically leaving their current location on a train. The repetition of "a hundred miles" throughout the song emphasizes the distance between the singer and their home, as well as their isolation and vulnerability.

The lyrics also reveal that the singer is penniless and without even a shirt on their back, which suggests that they may be running away from something or someone. However, they express a sense of determination and persistence in staying away from their past life, declaring, "Lord, I can't go back home this ole way." The final repetition of "You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles" reinforces the sense of loss and separation that permeates the song.

Overall, the lyrics to "Five Hundred Miles" are a poignant depiction of a person who is far from home and struggling to make their way in the world. The use of repetition and the haunting melody contribute to the song's melancholy mood, and the sparse instrumentation emphasizes the singer's sense of loneliness and isolation.