Go West Young Man
Michael W. Smith Lyrics
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So easily enticed
By darker means
When out of the wilderness of choice
I hear that one still voice
Call to me
[Chorus]
Go west young man
When the evil go east
Go west young man
Go west young man
Find a heart that's golden
Why must I wander like a cloud
Following the crowd
Well I don't know
But I'm asking for the will to fight
To wear the crown of life
And you say go
[Chorus]
The mind is weak the heart is frail
When it goes beyond the pale
So unwise
[Chorus]
In Michael W. Smith's song, "Go West Young Man," the singer is struggling with his internal demons that are pulling him towards darker means. He realizes that he has the freedom to choose a path and is easily enticed by vices that are readily available. However, he also senses a calling within him, a still voice that is urging him to find a heart that's golden. The chorus implores him to go west, away from the evil that is prevalent in the east, and find a path towards righteousness.
The lyrics reflect the internal struggle that many of us face when trying to make choices that go against the popular ways of the world. The concept of going west refers to the American frontier days, where people migrated westwards to explore new horizons and seek fresh opportunities. The idea is to move beyond one's comfort zone and choose a new path away from the temptations that weigh us down. It is essential to have the will to fight, wear the crown of life, and resist the forces that threaten to drag us down.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm blazing a trail that leads to vice
I'm choosing a path that leads to immoral actions
So easily enticed
I am easily tempted by negative influences
By darker means
By acting contrary to ethical standards
When out of the wilderness of choice
When I am lost in the vast options I face
I hear that one still voice
I can hear my conscience speaking to me
Call to me
Guiding me in the right direction
Go west young man
Head in the opposite direction of evil
Go west young man
Leave the negative influences behind you
When the evil go east
Where others are heading towards immoral paths
Go west young man
Look for good and positive things by distancing oneself from negative ones
Go west young man
Choose the right and the best thing to do
Find a heart that's golden
Look for sincerity and goodness within yourself and others
Why must I wander like a cloud
Why am I conflicted and uncertain?
Following the crowd
Trying to fit in and be accepted
Well I don't know
I do not have an answer
But I'm asking for the will to fight
I am seeking strength to resist temptation and stay on the right path
To wear the crown of life
To attain eternal happiness in heaven
And you say go
And I hear the voice of God telling me to go in the right direction
The mind is weak the heart is frail
Our inner being is easily influenced by external factors
When it goes beyond the pale
When we stretch too far and act contrary to what is acceptable
So unwise
Not a prudent or clever thing to do
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
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