Chant of the Wanderer
Nickel Creek Lyrics


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Take a look at the skies where the whippoorwill trills


Take a look at the falls and the rippling rills
And the mountain so high where the cataract spills


Hear the wanderlust calls of the whispering hills
The rippling rills, the cataract spills, the whippoorwill trills


The rippling rills, the cataract spills, the whippoorwill trills
The rippling rills, the cataract spills, the whippoorwill trills





Let me live on the range where the tumbleweeds grow

Let the silver sands change where the prairie winds blow

Let the wanderers sing where the wanderers go

Let the melody ring for it's happy I know

The wanderers go, the prairie winds blow, the tumbleweeds grow




The wanderers go, the prairie winds blow, the tumbleweeds grow
The wanderers go, the prairie winds blow, the tumbleweeds grow



Let me follow the trail where the buffalo roam
Let a silver cloud sail where the setting sun shone



Let the local wolf wail in a broken-heart tone
Let it storm, let it gale, still the prairie's my home

The broken-heart tone, the setting sun shone, the buffalo roam



The broken-heart tone, the setting sun shone, the buffalo roam

The rippling rills, the cataract spills, the whippoorwill trills
The wanderers go, the prairie winds blow, the tumbleweeds grow



The broken-heart tone, the setting sun shone, the buffalo roam






The prairie's my home!

Overall Meaning

"Chant of the Wanderer" by Nickel Creek is a song that celebrates the beauty and freedom of the natural world, particularly the prairie landscape. The lyrics invite the listener to observe and appreciate the wonders of nature, from the skies where the whippoorwill sings to the falls and rippling rills. The mountain symbolizes grandeur and awe as it spills down in a cataract, while the whispering hills beckon with a call of wanderlust. The repetition of the rippling rills, cataract spills, and whippoorwill trills emphasizes the enchanting sounds of nature and creates a rhythmic quality to the song.


The second verse of the song continues the theme of wanderlust, desiring to live on the range where the tumbleweeds grow and letting the silver sands change with the prairie winds. The wanderers, who are free spirits, are depicted as singers and their melodies bring happiness. The connection between the wanderers and the prairie landscape is highlighted, suggesting that being in harmony with the natural world brings joy and contentment.


In the final verse, the singer yearns to follow the trail where the buffalo roam, embracing the movement and freedom of these majestic creatures. The silver cloud sailing where the setting sun shone evokes a sense of beauty and tranquility. The local wolf wailing in a broken-heart tone adds a touch of melancholy, yet even in the face of storms and gales, the prairie remains the singer's home. This reinforces the theme of finding solace and belonging in the vastness of nature.


Overall, "Chant of the Wanderer" celebrates the connection between humans and the natural world, inviting the listener to appreciate the beauty, sounds, and freedom of the prairie landscape.


Line by Line Meaning

Take a look at the skies where the whippoorwill trills
Observe the vast expanse of the sky, where the melodic call of the whippoorwill can be heard


Take a look at the falls and the rippling rills
Take notice of the waterfalls and the gentle flowing streams


And the mountain so high where the cataract spills
And witness the majestic mountain, from which a powerful waterfall cascades


Hear the wanderlust calls of the whispering hills
Listen to the enticing calls of adventure emanating from the tranquil hills


Let me live on the range where the tumbleweeds grow
Allow me to reside in the vast open plains, where tumbleweeds thrive


Let the silver sands change where the prairie winds blow
Allow the shifting sand dunes to transform as the winds sweep across the prairie


Let the wanderers sing where the wanderers go
Let the free spirits express their joy through song as they explore new places


Let the melody ring for it's happy I know
Let the harmonic tune resonate, for I am aware that it represents happiness


Let me follow the trail where the buffalo roam
Permit me to embark on the path that leads to where majestic buffalo freely wander


Let a silver cloud sail where the setting sun shone
Allow a shimmering cloud to gracefully drift across the sky where the setting sun has cast its glow


Let the local wolf wail in a broken-heart tone
Allow the nearby wolf to howl with a mournful sound, portraying a heartache


Let it storm, let it gale, still the prairie's my home
Even if storms and strong winds arise, the prairie remains my beloved home


The prairie's my home!
I proudly declare that the prairie is where my heart truly belongs




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BOB NOLAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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