Going Nowhere
Kings of Leon Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Sweet ocean liner, come and anchor down
Sea of forgiveness, see what I have found
It's long and lanky, awkward at times
I'm going nowhere if you get the time
And it's a long hard road until I can get to you
And I'll be holding on, hoping the sun comes shining through

I'm going nowhere, if you got the time
I'm going nowhere, you're on my mind

I took to driving, to see what I would find
A place in history, a little peace of mind
I know what you're thinking
I know just what you mean
I'll never be whole again until I get clean
And it's a long hard road until I can get to you
And I'll be holding on, hoping the sun comes shining through

I'm going nowhere if you got the time
I'm going nowhere you're on my mind
I'm going nowhere won't you stop by?
I'm going nowhere if you got the time

I'm going nowhere if you got the time
I'm going nowhere you're on my mind




I'm going nowhere won't you stop by?
I'm going nowhere if you got the time

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Kings of Leon's song "Going Nowhere" convey a sense of longing, desperation, and a desire for redemption. The opening lines, "Sweet ocean liner, come and anchor down, Sea of forgiveness, see what I have found," suggest the singer's plea for a chance at redemption and a fresh start, symbolized by the vastness of the sea and the forgiveness it represents. However, the following lines, "It's long and lanky, awkward at times, I'm going nowhere if you get the time," indicate that the journey towards redemption is not easy and may feel directionless or uncertain.


The chorus repeats the idea of going nowhere, emphasizing the singer's feeling of being stuck or stagnant. They long for the presence of someone, with the lines, "I'm going nowhere if you got the time, I'm going nowhere you're on my mind." This person may represent a source of guidance, support, or love that the singer needs in order to find their way out of their current state.


The second verse continues the theme of seeking answers and finding peace of mind. The lyrics, "I took to driving, to see what I would find, A place in history, a little peace of mind," suggest that the singer is embarking on a physical journey, hoping to discover a sense of purpose or solace. They acknowledge their own struggles and flaws, recognizing that they cannot be truly whole until they find a way to overcome their difficulties, as expressed in the line, "I'll never be whole again until I get clean."


Line by Line Meaning

Sweet ocean liner, come and anchor down
I long for a stable and comforting presence in my life, just like an ocean liner that safely anchors in a harbor.


Sea of forgiveness, see what I have found
In a sea of forgiveness, I have discovered something meaningful and significant.


It's long and lanky, awkward at times
Despite being somewhat clumsy and awkward at times, there is something endearing and genuine about it.


I'm going nowhere if you get the time
If you are willing to invest your time and attention in me, I will remain stagnant and not progress in life.


And it's a long hard road until I can get to you
Achieving a connection with you is a challenging journey that requires perseverance and endurance.


And I'll be holding on, hoping the sun comes shining through
Despite the struggles and uncertainties, I will hold on and have faith that better days will come.


I'm going nowhere, if you got the time
Without your presence and attention, I feel stuck and without any direction or purpose.


I'm going nowhere, you're on my mind
Even when I am physically not moving, you constantly occupy my thoughts and emotions.


I took to driving, to see what I would find
In search of self-discovery and understanding, I embarked on a journey of exploration and reflection.


A place in history, a little peace of mind
I yearn for a sense of significance and a calmness within myself, similar to finding a place in history and achieving inner tranquility.


I know what you're thinking
I understand your thoughts and perspectives on the matter.


I know just what you mean
I comprehend the deeper meaning behind your words or actions.


I'll never be whole again until I get clean
Only by addressing my personal issues and overcoming my struggles can I truly become complete and find inner healing.


I'm going nowhere if you got the time
For as long as you are available and willing to invest your time in me, I will remain stagnant and achieve no progress.


I'm going nowhere you're on my mind
Even when I am not physically moving or making any significant advancements, thoughts of you occupy my thoughts and preoccupy my mind.


I'm going nowhere won't you stop by?
Instead of moving forward or making any progress, I implore you to pay me a visit and offer me some companionship and support.


I'm going nowhere if you got the time
Without your presence and attention, I feel stagnant and without any direction or purpose.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Caleb Followill

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

YourDudeheit

[Verse 1]
Sweet ocean liner, come and anchor down
Sea of forgiveness, see what I have found
It's long and lanky, awkward at times
I'm going nowhere if you get the time

[Pre-Chorus]
And it's a long hard road until I can get to you
And I'll be holding on, hoping the sun comes shining through

[Chorus]
I'm going nowhere, if you've got the time
I'm going nowhere, with you on my mind

[Verse 2]
I took to driving, to see what I would find
A place in history, a little peace of mind
I know what you're thinking
I know just what you mean
I'll never be whole again until I get clean

[Pre-Chorus]
And it's a long hard road until I can get to you
And I'll be holding on, hoping the sun comes shining through

[Chorus]
I'm going nowhere if you'vе got the time
I'm going nowherе with you on my mind
I'm going nowhere, won't you stop by?
I'm going nowhere if you've got the time

[Chorus]
I'm going nowhere if you've got the time
I'm going nowhere with you on my mind
I'm going nowhere, won't you stop by?
I'm going nowhere if you got the time



All comments from YouTube:

ahmad moallem

I've been waiting for so long for new music.
This band is literally ageless, they can't make a bad song

Adrian Lopez

💯🔥

william Cooper

Is this one of their new ones? I wasn’t sure.

Coy Coberly

No! They CAN'T make a bad song!

Erik Cisneros

lol they’ve made bad records. Let alone songs. Still a great band

AJ Coolbreeze

Day old blues gets old real quick

10 More Replies...

Canadian Dave

I’ve listened to this song everyday since it was released. I bought an acoustic guitar so I could learn to play it and sing it. Just an incredible song by an incredible band.

YouTube Account

How are you going with your guitar?

Leonardo Dias

Imight as well just do that too.

Riff Raff

I am a beginner guitar player and this is the first song I went to such an amazing song. I'm not quite there yet but almost there. Sounding great!

More Comments

More Versions