Tumbleweed
Kristina Cornell Lyrics
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I would fly away and never come back
If I were a train
I would move on down that old track
If I were a river
I'd be rolling up around the next bend
But I'm just a tumbleweed
At the mercy of the wind
If I were a road
I would lead me back to you
If I were a color of the rainbow
I would always be blue
And if I were the past
I would change it
So it'd never have to end
But I'm just a tumbleweed
At the mercy of the wind
(Chorus)
And when it blows
I'm on my way again
Going somewhere
That I've never been
And when it calls me
Like a long lost friend
I'm just a tumbleweed
At the mercy of the wind
If I were a rock
Then I wouldn't be a rolling stone
If I were your shadow
I would never, leave you alone
If I were time
I would stay here 'til that last grain of sand
But I'm just a tumbleweed
At the mercy of the wind
(Repeat Chorus)
And maybe someday
It will blow this way again
But I'm just a tumbleweed
At the mercy of the wind
Kristina Cornell's "Tumbleweed" is a song about being at the mercy of the unknown and the unexpected. The song mentions several different things that the singer could be, such as a bird, a train, a river, a road, a rock, your shadow, or even time itself. However, she is simply a tumbleweed, rolling wherever the wind takes her. The chorus drives home this aspect of the song, repeating the line "I'm just a tumbleweed at the mercy of the wind." There is a sense of resignation to this existence, yet also a hint of excitement at the prospect of going somewhere new and unknown.
Overall, "Tumbleweed" can be interpreted as a metaphor for taking chances in life and embracing uncertainty. It is easy to feel weighed down by the past or by obligations, but sometimes it is necessary to let go and let the wind carry you away to new experiences. The song encourages the listener to have faith in the journey, even if the destination is unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
If I were a bird
If I had wings to fly away from my problems
I would fly away and never come back
I would leave my current situation behind and start fresh elsewhere
If I were a train
If I had a clear path or direction to follow
I would move on down that old track
I would continue on that path without hesitation or doubt
If I were a river
If I had a clear and constant flow or purpose
I'd be rolling up around the next bend
I would never stop moving forward towards my destination
But I'm just a tumbleweed
I am aimless and without a sense of direction
At the mercy of the wind
I am subject to the whims and changes of my surroundings
If I were a road
If I had a path to follow or lead others on
I would lead me back to you
I would find my way back to my loved one
If I were a color of the rainbow
If I was something beautiful and full of hope
I would always be blue
I would still struggle with sadness and loneliness
And if I were the past
If I could change the events that have led to my current situation
I would change it
I would make different choices to create a better future for myself
So it'd never have to end
So I could avoid the pain of my current situation
And when it blows
When circumstances change and I must adapt
I'm on my way again
I must keep moving forward
Going somewhere
Seeking a new destination or purpose
That I've never been
A place or experience that is completely new and unknown to me
And when it calls me
When I feel drawn towards a new path or opportunity
Like a long lost friend
As if it's something that has always been a part of me
If I were a rock
If I were something stable and constant
Then I wouldn't be a rolling stone
I wouldn't struggle with feelings of uncertainty and disconnection
If I were your shadow
If I were constantly by your side
I would never leave you alone
You would always have me as a constant presence and support
If I were time
If I were something that could be controlled or manipulated
I would stay here 'til that last grain of sand
I would stay as long as needed to make things right
And maybe someday
Perhaps in the future
It will blow this way again
Circumstances may change and bring me back to this place
But I'm just a tumbleweed
Ultimately, I am still adrift and uncertain
At the mercy of the wind
Subject to the unpredictable nature of life
Contributed by William V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.