Miles Away
Kellin Quinn/Memphis May Fire Lyrics


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I pack my bags and say goodbye to my wife
For what seems like the millionth time.
They said it gets easier, but they lied.
She looks at me and says, "Really baby, I will be just fine"
But then she looks away so I don't have to see her cry.
And that is when I ask myself

How am I supposed to be
Everything they expect me to be
When I feel so alone,
'Cause I left my heart at home.
She needs me, but I know they need me too.
So God, give me the strength to do what you created me to do.

Really I'm so thankful for the people I meet,
The places I've been and the things I've seen,
But when she's not here
It doesn't feel like I'm living my dream.
I know they say that no one is perfect,
But I swear she's perfect for me
And that makes it so much harder to leave.

How am I supposed to be
Everything they expect me to be
When I feel so alone, 'cause I left my heart at home.
She needs me, but I know they need me too.
So God, give me the strength to do what you created me to do.

If you miss me, I'm just a phone call away.
Please be strong, be strong for me.
I need you to show me how to change the inside of me.
For my heart, for their sake.
Be strong, be strong for me!

How am I supposed to be
Everything they expect me to be
When I feel so alone, so alone!
How am I supposed to be
Everything they expect me to be
When I feel so alone,
'Cause I left my heart at home.




She needs me, but I know they need me too.
So God, give me the strength to do what you created me to do.

Overall Meaning

The song "Miles Away" by Kellin Quinn/Memphis May Fire is a poignant tribute to the difficulty of balancing personal and professional responsibilities. The lyrics describe the internal conflict of the singer as he prepares to leave his wife once again for a work-related trip. While grateful for the experiences and opportunities he has been afforded, the singer is painfully aware that he is leaving his heart behind at home. He questions how he can be everything his job demands of him when he feels so alone and isolated, and he wonders how his absence will affect his wife, who is left to cope with his departure on her own. The singer acknowledges that his wife needs him, but at the same time he feels a sense of duty to his work and his calling. Ultimately, he looks to God for the strength to navigate the competing demands on his time and energy.


On a deeper level, "Miles Away" is a meditation on the nature of sacrifice and the toll it can take on both those who leave and those who are left behind. The song captures the emotional complexity of being torn between competing obligations and illustrates the deep pain and longing that can accompany such a separation. While the song is specifically focused on the experience of someone in a military or other demanding profession, the themes it explores are universal and relatable to anyone who has had to make difficult choices or sacrifices.


Line by Line Meaning

I pack my bags and say goodbye to my wife
I am leaving my wife again and it feels like I am doing so too often.


For what seems like the millionth time.
Leaving is becoming routine and it still doesn't make it any easier.


They said it gets easier, but they lied.
Despite what others tell me, leaving still feels as hard as ever.


She looks at me and says, "Really baby, I will be just fine"
My wife reassures me that she can get by without me, but I still worry.


But then she looks away so I don't have to see her cry.
She tries to be strong, but her sadness still shows through.


And that is when I ask myself
Leaving my wife again prompts deeper introspection.


How am I supposed to be Everything they expect me to be When I feel so alone, 'Cause I left my heart at home.
I feel torn between duty and love, and it's taking a toll on me.


She needs me, but I know they need me too.
I have to balance my wife's needs with the expectations of others.


So God, give me the strength to do what you created me to do.
I pray for the divine guidance to do what I must, even when it's hard.


Really I'm so thankful for the people I meet, The places I've been and the things I've seen,
Even amidst the hardships, I try to appreciate the good that comes with my job.


But when she's not here It doesn't feel like I'm living my dream.
Without my wife, my happiness and fulfillment are incomplete.


I know they say that no one is perfect, But I swear she's perfect for me And that makes it so much harder to leave.
My love for my wife is so strong that it only makes leaving her harder.


If you miss me, I'm just a phone call away. Please be strong, be strong for me. I need you to show me how to change the inside of me. For my heart, for their sake. Be strong, be strong for me!
I ask my wife to support me by being strong and helping me grow, even when we are apart.


How am I supposed to be Everything they expect me to be When I feel so alone, so alone!
The loneliness is overwhelming and makes it hard to meet expectations.




Lyrics Ā© BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kellen McGregor, Matthew Mullins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@codyshoaf4270

+IzieGoEasy

sort of, he is missing his wife terribly because he has to go on tour, to be with... "them". his band mates and fans.

if you listen to the song... (I can't remember and will make another reply after this one with the song title)... he talks about how his ex(?)wife could not deal with him being on the road all the time, and she was just dragging him down, holding him back from his full potential.

I feel as though this song is about somebody that DOES understand what he has to do, but he hates being away from her.

IMHO



All comments from YouTube:

@RipperJack30141

Lost my brother to a car crash last week. Former Marine, one kid here, one on the way. He was always on the move between NC and GA to be with family. All I can think about when I hear this song is him. God bless Joe Joe, I'll see you on the other side.

@iLikeBandssss

sending you my highest condolences <3

@SaintSi1999

So sorry man, I'll keep you in my prayers.Ā 

@RipperJack30141

Thanks for the well wishes everybody.

@BiancaAraujoBiah

RipperJack30141 Be strong... :)

@roseprinsesse

I'm so sorry. My best wishes for you, your family, and his.Ā 
Semper Fidelis

1 More Replies...

@MissGimm18

My husband made this our song....he leaves a lot being in the Army and all and its tuff on me and our kids....he's deploying again soon and this song just breaks me down to tears every time I hear it....he wants to be the best man he can be to us, but he also has to be the best he can be as a soldier....I will never be anything but proud of him. He's a amazing husband, a damn good father and a hell of a soldier...I love you babe and everything will always be worth it because of you.... When this is all over again....hurry back home, half of my heart will be missing till you're back safe in my arms again...

@strawbrrysundae

Awh i'm sure he misss you and your kids as much as you guys miss him.. I hope you do the things that makes your happy to keep yourself from being sad and missing him too much. Keep yourself happy, and you'll make him happy.

@priscillapete5349

+MissGrimm18 I know how you feel girl. My husband is in the army too

@justinmorgan4568

MissGrimm18 Sending prayers your way. It's men like your husband and wives like you that make this country good old AMERICA.

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