On and On
Robert Earl Keen Lyrics


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In the purple setting sun, she rides her horse around the ring
Gives him a kick, he starts to run, keeping time and galloping
They ride around until they're free, into the wilderness unknown
Living out her fantasy on that brave strawberry roan

On and on (on and on)
On and on
He locks the door, dims the light, trims the knob, flips a switch
He plays a chord, it sounds alright, his head is light, his fingers twitch
He plays the rythm and the blues from midnight to the dawn
Singin' "Have You Heard The News" like there ain't no other song

On and on
On and on

On and on from the beginning
Round and round this world keeps spinning
All alone (all alone)
On and on

In the summer of the loon, on a hidden harbor shore
By the shimmering moon they never wanted nothin' more
And there ain't another sound they been waitin' for so long
She takes his hand and pulls him down and their love lives on and on

On and on (on and on)
On and on

Standin' by his father's grave, trying hard to find a tear
Preacher says Jesus saves but he did not save him here
And he wonders right out loud "daddy, where did we go wrong?"
As his sad bewildered cryin' leaves him starin' at the stone (at the stone)

On and on (on and on)
On and on

On and on from the beginning
Round and round this world keeps spinning




All alone (all alone)
On and on (on and on)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "On and On" by Robert Earl Keen are about the different experiences and emotions that individuals go through in life. The song highlights four different scenarios, each depicting a distinct mood and situation. The first verse talks about a girl riding her horse in the setting sun, enjoying her freedom and living out her fantasy. The second verse talks about a musician who locks himself in his room and plays music from midnight to dawn, immersed in his creative process. The third verse talks about two people in love, who have waited for each other for a long time and finally get to be together. The fourth verse talks about a man standing by his father's grave, filled with grief, questioning the choices that were made that led them to this moment.


The chorus "On and on" depicts the continuity of life and its never-ending cycle. The repetitive nature of the song reflects how life moves forward in spite of the different situations people find themselves in. The song suggests that life goes on, and individuals must keep moving forward, no matter what comes their way.


Overall, the song is a beautiful representation of life's diversity and how people must keep moving forward, despite the different paths they take. The song's themes of love, grief, freedom, and creativity resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless classic.


Line by Line Meaning

In the purple setting sun, she rides her horse around the ring
Under the purple setting sun, she performs horse riding practice in a ring.


Gives him a kick, he starts to run, keeping time and galloping
She urges her horse to start running and gallop in sync with the rhythm.


They ride around until they're free, into the wilderness unknown
They ride until they can escape into the unknown and explore wilderness.


Living out her fantasy on that brave strawberry roan
She enacts her fantasies while riding her brave strawberry roan.


On and on (on and on) On and on
Repetition of the phrase 'On and on' as an interlude.


He locks the door, dims the light, trims the knob, flips a switch
He locks the door, dims the light, and prepares his instruments to play music.


He plays a chord, it sounds alright, his head is light, his fingers twitch
With ease, he plays a chord on his instrument, and he feels light-headed while his fingers move to play more notes.


He plays the rythm and the blues from midnight to the dawn
He plays blues and rhythm music on his instrument from midnight till dawn.


Singin' "Have You Heard The News" like there ain't no other song
He sings 'Have You Heard The News' with the belief that there is no better song to sing.


On and on
Repetition of the phrase 'On and on' as an interlude.


On and on from the beginning Round and round this world keeps spinning All alone (all alone) On and on
Repetition of the phrase 'On and on,' with a reflective tone on the world's endless spinning and one's solitude.


In the summer of the loon, on a hidden harbor shore By the shimmering moon they never wanted nothin' more
On the hidden harbor, they revel in the summery beauty of the loon, under the beautiful shimmer of the moon, without wanting anything more.


And there ain't another sound they been waitin' for so long She takes his hand and pulls him down and their love lives on and on
They hear the sound they have been waiting for, and they express their long-lasting love by holding hands and remaining with each other.


Standin' by his father's grave, trying hard to find a tear Preacher says Jesus saves but he did not save him here
He stands near his father's grave, attempting to cry, but his emotions are numb. The preacher claims Jesus' salvation, which did not come to his father.


And he wonders right out loud "daddy, where did we go wrong?" As his sad bewildered cryin' leaves him starin' at the stone (at the stone)
He wonders aloud as he looks at his father's grave, asking his dad where they went wrong while crying and staring at the grave stone.


On and on (on and on) On and on
Repetition of the phrase 'On and on' as an interlude.




Contributed by Gavin C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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