Eight Miles High
Robyn Hitchcock and The Egyptians Lyrics
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You 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-grey town known for its sounds
In July, 1965, The Byrds first visited Great Britain. I was twelve.
You weren't even born yet. That situation continued.
Round the square and out in the storms
Some laughing, some just shapeless forms
Sidewalk scenes and black limousines
Some living, some standing alone
The song "Eight Miles High" by Robyn Hitchcock and The Egyptians is a cover of The Byrds' famous song. The lyrics evoke a sense of disorientation and unfamiliarity, representing the experience of being in a strange place.
The opening line "Eight miles high" suggests being airborne at a high elevation, possibly in an airplane. As the song touches down, there is a realization that the destination is stranger than previously known. This could symbolize the discovery of unfamiliar aspects of a place or situation after closer examination.
The next line, "Signs in the street that say where you're going, are somewhere just being their own," captures a sense of detachment and confusion. The signs pointing to one's destination may not provide clear guidance and appear to have their own agenda. It could symbolize a lack of direction or difficulty in finding one's way in a foreign environment.
The following stanza expresses a feeling of alienation. The town mentioned is described as rain-grey and lacking warmth. It mentions people who are afraid of losing their ground, highlighting their insecurity and fear of change. Despite this, there is a suggestion to embrace the town and its "small faces" (possibly meaning the ordinary people). This could represent finding solace or meaning even in an unfriendly or unwelcoming place.
The final verse refers to specific events in history. It mentions The Byrds' visit to Great Britain in July 1965, setting a temporal context for the song. The contrast between the singer's personal experience of being twelve at the time and the listener not even being born yet adds another layer to the disconnection and sense of time passing.
The concluding lines describe scenes on the streets: people laughing, shapeless forms, black limousines, and individuals standing alone. These images convey the diversity and unpredictability of urban life. It suggests that amidst the chaos and isolation, there are both joyous and lonely moments for different individuals.
Overall, the lyrics of "Eight Miles High" explore themes of disorientation, detachment, and the unpredictability of unfamiliar environments. They reflect the experience of being in a strange place, whether physically or emotionally, and the complexities of navigating through it.
Line by Line Meaning
Eight miles high and when we touch down
Reaching great heights of success, only to face the reality of coming back down to earth
You find that it's stranger than known
Discovering that reality can be stranger and more unpredictable than one had expected or imagined
Signs in the street that say where you're going
Visible indications or messages that tell you the direction or path you should take in life
Are somewhere just being their own
Those signs exist merely to fulfill their own purpose and not necessarily to guide you effectively
Nowhere is there warmth to be found
In this cold and detached world, genuine warmth and compassion are scarce
Among those afraid of losing their ground
Fear dominates the hearts of those who are anxious about losing their stability or security
Rain-grey town known for its sounds
This town, often experiencing gloomy weather, is renowned for its lively and vibrant music scene
Embrace it as small faces abound
Fully accept and appreciate the local charm and youthful energy that fills the town
In July, 1965, The Byrds first visited Great Britain. I was twelve.
During the stated time period, the iconic band The Byrds had their inaugural trip to Great Britain, which occurred when the artist was just twelve years old
You weren't even born yet. That situation continued.
The listener was not yet alive at that point in history and remained absent during subsequent events
Round the square and out in the storms
Going in circles around the central square, facing turbulent and challenging situations
Some laughing, some just shapeless forms
A mixture of people can be observed, with some joyfully enjoying life while others seem to lack a clear sense of identity or purpose
Sidewalk scenes and black limousines
Scenes of everyday life on the streets, juxtaposed with the presence of luxurious and high-status vehicles
Some living, some standing alone
While some individuals are actively engaged in life, others remain isolated and detached from the world around them
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: David Crosby, Gene Clark, Roger Mcguinn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind