Lonesome Road
Madeline Peyroux Lyrics

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( Frank Sinatra )

Look down, look down
That lonesome road
Before you travel on

Look up, look up
And seek your maker

Before Gabriel blows his horn

I'm weary of toting, such a heavy load
Trudging down, that lonesome road

Look down, look down
That lonesome road
Before you travel on

I'm weary of toting, such a heavy load
Trudging down, that lonesome road

Look down, look down
That lonesome road

Before you travel on
Before you travel on

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Madeline Peyroux's song Lonesome Road take inspiration from the poem "Look Down, Fair Moon" by Walt Whitman. The song begins with the singer urging the listener to "look down" and take a moment to contemplate the lonesome road they are about to travel down. The road is metaphorical for the journey of life, and the singer suggests that by reflecting on the path ahead, we can better prepare for the hardships and challenges we may face.

The second half of the song pivots to a more spiritual message, advising the listener to "look up" and seek guidance from a higher power before it's too late. The reference to Gabriel blowing his horn is a biblical allusion to the Judgment Day, emphasizing the importance of being spiritually prepared before it arrives. The repeated refrain of "I'm weary of toting, such a heavy load" expresses the singer's weariness with the burdens of life and the need for guidance on the uncertain journey ahead.

Line by Line Meaning

Look down, look down
Take a moment to reflect on your journey and where you're headed

That lonesome road
The path ahead is lonely and difficult

Before you travel on
Don't continue without taking stock of what lies ahead

Look up, look up
Turn your attention away from the path and towards a higher power

And seek your maker
Search for inspiration and guidance from a higher being

Before Gabriel blows his horn
Do this while there is still time and before it is too late

I'm weary of toting, such a heavy load
Carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders is exhausting

Trudging down, that lonesome road
The journey is long and difficult, and progress may be slow

Before you travel on
Once again, stop and reassess your path before continuing

Before you travel on
Emphasizing the importance of reflection and self-awareness

Contributed by Adrian E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.