The Duke
Miles Davis Lyrics


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When I wake up yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to you
When I go out yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you

But I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walked 1000 miles
To fall down at your door

When I'm working yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's working hard for you
And when the money comes in for the work I'll do
I'll pass almost every penny on to you

But I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walked 1000 miles
To fall down at your door

When I come home yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home to you
And if I grow old well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you

But I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walked 1000 miles
To fall down at your door

But I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more




Just to be the man who walked 1000 miles
To fall down at your door

Overall Meaning

At first glance, The Proclaimers' “I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)” seems like a simple love song about a man who is devoted to his partner. However, when examined more closely, the lyrics reveal a depth of commitment that goes beyond mere romantic sentiment. The singer declares that he will walk 500 miles, and then 500 more, just to be with the woman he loves. He will work hard to provide for her, and he plans to grow old with her. This is not just a romantic gesture; it is a declaration of devotion and sacrifice. The song suggests that love is not just a feeling, but a choice to commit oneself to another person, no matter the cost.


One interesting interpretation of this song is that the 500 miles represents not just a physical distance, but also the emotional distance that can exist between two people in a relationship. By walking those miles, the singer is bridging that gap and proving his commitment to his partner. The repetition of the chorus also emphasizes the depth and intensity of his feelings, as if he is willing to walk that distance over and over again to prove his love.


Line by Line Meaning

When I wake up yeah I know I'm gonna be
I am aware that when I wake up, I will be the type of man who is not afraid to face whatever the day may bring, especially when I am with you.


I'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to you
The person who wakes up beside you will be me, and I am willing to do anything to make sure that happens every day.


When I go out yeah I know I'm gonna be
I will always accept an invitation to go out and socialize, particularly if it involves spending time with you.


I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you
I will be the person who accompanies you to the places you want to go and never let you do things alone.


But I would walk 500 miles
I am willing to travel long distances, face challenges and overcome them all for the love of my life.


And I would walk 500 more
I will never get tired and will walk another 500 miles if that's what it takes to be with you.


Just to be the man who walked 1000 miles
I want to be that man who is willing to go the distance and do whatever it takes to prove my love for you.


To fall down at your door
I want to be with you so much so that I am willing to fall down at your doorstep just to prove my love for you.


When I'm working yes I know I'm gonna be
Even when I am at work, I will think of you and be motivated to work harder because I know that I am able to provide for you and make you happy.


I'm gonna be the man who's working hard for you
I will be that man who will work hard and tirelessly for you, making sure that all your needs are met.


And when the money comes in for the work I'll do
When I receive the money for the work I put in, I will invest a portion of it into making our life together better.


I'll pass almost every penny on to you
I will make sure that you benefit from the money I make, and I am willing to share everything I have with you.


When I come home yeah I know I'm gonna be
When I come home to you, I will be that man who will be excited to see you and spend time with you again.


I'm gonna be the man who comes back home to you
I will always come home to you and be that man you can rely on through thick and thin.


And if I grow old well I know I'm gonna be
Even as I grow old, I am confident that the love I have for you will never wane, and I will remain loyal and steadfast.


I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you
I am willing to grow old with you, and nothing can change the love I have for you.


To fall down at your door
I still want to be that man who will fall down at your doorstep and prove his love for you, no matter what happens.


But I would walk 500 miles
I will continue to make the effort and walk those 500 miles because I love you more than anything in this world.


And I would walk 500 more
I will always do what I can to make you happy, and if that means walking another 500 miles, then so be it.


Just to be the man who walked 1000 miles
I want to be that man who is willing to make sacrifices for you, walk the extra mile, and do whatever it takes to prove my love.


To fall down at your door
I want nothing more than to be with you, and I am willing to do anything to make that happen, even if it means falling down at your doorstep.




Contributed by Tyler M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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