Roger, along with the other Byrds members, was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
On And On
Roger McGuinn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The party kept on going, till I thought I'd die
And a voice inside sang so sweet and low
It's on and on and on and on and on and on we go
I first knew I loved you when you turned around
And finally gave me courage to get up off the ground
And a voice inside sang so sweet and low
A voice inside that couldn't lie
It's on and on and on and on and on and on we go
The Village kept me hungry,the music kept me high
The party kept on going, till I thought I'd die
And a voice inside sang so sweet and low
It's on and on and on and on and on and on we go
The lyrics to Roger McGuinn's "On and On" tell a story of a man who found himself lost and hungry in New York City's Greenwich Village. It was the music that kept him going, that gave him the high he needed to survive. The song also touches on the theme of love, as the man describes the moment he fell in love with someone who gave him the courage to stand up and keep going. Through it all, there was a voice inside him that never gave up, that kept singing "It's on and on and on and on and on and on we go."
The Village referred to in the lyrics is Greenwich Village, an area in Lower Manhattan that is known for its artistic and bohemian culture. It was a hotspot for musicians and artists in the 1960s, which is likely the time period the song is referencing. The hunger mentioned in the lyrics could be a reference to the struggle many artists faced during this time period, as they tried to make a living off their art. The party scene in the Village was also notorious, with drugs and alcohol being prevalent during this time period.
The voice inside the songwriter is likely his own inner voice, that kept him going even when things got tough. It's a familiar feeling for many artists and musicians who struggle to make a name for themselves in the industry. The theme of love in the song is also relatable, as love can often be the driving force that gives someone the strength to keep going. Overall, "On and On" is a song about perseverance, the power of music, and the importance of love in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
The Village kept me hungry, the music kept me high
Despite my lack of material comforts, the music I played filled me with a sense of euphoria and bliss.
The party kept on going, till I thought I'd die
The festivities were endless and overwhelming, and I felt like I could never fully participate.
And a voice inside sang so sweet and low
There was a gentle and soothing voice guiding my thoughts and actions, urging me to keep going.
It's on and on and on and on and on and on we go
No matter what happens or how long we keep pushing ourselves, we will continue onward with determination and purpose.
I first knew I loved you when you turned around
My feelings for you were cemented when you finally recognized my worth and helped boost my self-confidence.
And finally gave me courage to get up off the ground
With your encouragement and support, I was able to move forward in my life and pursue my dreams.
A voice inside that couldn't lie
That same, sweet voice within me was always truthful and sincere, pushing me to strive for authenticity and honesty.
Contributed by Wyatt S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.