Eight Miles High
McGuinn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You'll find that it's stranger than known
Signs in the street that say where you're going
Are somewhere just being their own
Nowhere is there warmth to be found
Among those afraid of losing their ground
Rain gray town known for it's sound
Round the squares huddled in storms
Some laughing some just shapeless forms
Sidewalk scenes and black limousines
Some living some standing alone
McGuinn's song "Eight Miles High" is rich in poetic, cryptic imagery that speaks to a host of themes, experiences, and emotions that transcend time and place. The opening stanza invites the listener to embark on a journey that will challenge their preconceived notions of reality and heighten their sense of wonder and awe. The phrase "Eight miles high" is a reference to the altitude that commercial planes reach, but it also suggests a metaphysical ascent to a higher plane of existence. The singer urges the listener to embrace the strange and unsettling aspects of the world around them, to look beyond the familiar and comfortable, and to seek out the signs and symbols that point to hidden truths.
The second stanza shifts the focus to the human condition and the struggle for meaning and purpose in a chaotic and unpredictable world. The singer suggests that many people are trapped in a state of fear and anxiety, clinging to what little security they have and unwilling to take risks or explore new horizons. The "rain gray town" represents the drab, soulless existence that awaits those who cannot or will not break free of their limitations. But amidst the gloom and despair, there are small pockets of vitality and creativity, represented by "places small faces unbound". These are the oases of hope and inspiration that keep the singer and the listener going, even in the darkest of times.
The third stanza depicts the bustling cityscape of modern life, with its contrasts and contradictions, its vitality and decay. The "round the squares huddled in storms" evokes the image of people seeking shelter from the elements and from the harsh realities of existence. Some are laughing and finding joy in the midst of the chaos, while others are lost and shapeless, unable to find a way out. The "sidewalk scenes and black limousines" suggest a world of wealth and power, where some are living a life of luxury, while others are standing alone on the periphery, struggling to find their place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Eight miles high and when you touch down
Upon descending from a great height of accomplishment, one may feel the discomfort of the unfamiliar landscape they have found themselves in.
You'll find that it's stranger than known
The new environment that one has found themselves in is foreign and unsettling.
Signs in the street that say where you're going
There are indications of the expected path to take, visible through the signs in the streets.
Are somewhere just being their own
Despite the clearly marked path, some individuals will still choose to follow their own unique path.
Nowhere is there warmth to be found
In this cold and unforgiving world, there is no reprieve to be found from the struggles individuals face.
Among those afraid of losing their ground
Individuals who are insecure in their own abilities and achievements are vulnerable to losing their place in society.
Rain gray town known for it's sound
The town may be drab and dismal, but it is well known for the music that has come from its streets.
In places small faces unbound
The youth of the town are open and free-spirited, unafraid to be themselves.
Round the squares huddled in storms
Even in the most public places, individuals may still find themselves feeling isolated and alone.
Some laughing some just shapeless forms
While some individuals are able to find joy and humor despite their struggles, others have lost sight of themselves and their purpose in life.
Sidewalk scenes and black limousines
The stark contrast between the common people and the wealthy elite is evident on the streets of the town.
Some living some standing alone
There are those who seem to be truly living and thriving, while others are simply existing and feeling alone in the world.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: David Crosby, Gene Clark, Roger Mcguinn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Izzy Twiggs
This song never gets “old”. The ringing, shimmering sounds are timeless and the rhythm is extraordinary. THIS IS TRULY A ROCK CLASSIC FROM A MUSICAL GENIUS.
Eric David
McGuinn always has the coolest guitar tone. Might be the most underrated player of all time.
Ross Zucker
One of the greatest.
gasper signorelli
Agree, McGuiin is an original, his voice, and his guitar style and sound.
Joe Esquire
Nobody played the 12 string Rickenbacker better, before him or after. God bless.
Donna Page
It all about the guitar ,
Geoff Tipton
Roger & his good buddies Barry McGuire & Terry Talbot are the best 12 string pickers of all time. Just my opinion. They all possess soooo much talent
cyclonedrums
One of the BEST Rock songs ever created.
HENRY H.
Thank you for the transporting trip through the musical time machine ☮️
Pit O'Maley
This is a great version of the classic, truly a guitar flight breaking a sounds height with wonderful harmony.