Take Me Away
Roger McGuinn Lyrics

You should have been there when
The singer expresses regret that the listener missed a memorable event.

The time was right for the music to begin
The singer believes that the timing of the event was perfect for the music to start.

You shoulda been there when
The singer repeats the sentiment from the first line to emphasize the importance of the missed event.

That band of gypsies started rollin' in
A group of unconventional and exotic people arrived to add to the excitement.

You should seen it
The artist wishes the listener could have witnessed the spectacle.

You'da swore for sure the circus came to town
The appearance of the guests surprised the audience and made them feel as though a carnival had arrived in town.

There were ladies ridin' bareback
The women performed an impressive feat of skill and athleticism.

And the mystery man
An enigmatic character added to the sense of intrigue and wonder.

All painted like a clown
This character's appearance was reminiscent of a clown, further enhancing the circus-like atmosphere.

You should seen October feelin'
The artist describes a specific moment in time when they experienced a unique emotion.

Like I never felt before
This emotion was intense and unfamiliar to the singer.

Flashin up New England skies
The sky was lit up in a spectacular display of light.

Like the fires of the revoluntionary war
The singer draws a comparison between the light show and the intense fires of a historical event.

You shoulda heard the music comin' down
The singer wishes the listener could have experienced the music.

Like the hardest rain that ever fell
The music was as intense and powerful as a rainstorm.

Wakin' up in the afternoons
The artist was so caught up in the event that they lost track of time and slept until the afternoon.

With a hundred lovers feedin' in the same motel
The artist stayed in a motel with many other people, some of whom they may have had romantic relationships with.

Take me away take me away take me away
The singer longs to escape their current reality and return to the excitement of the event they describe.

To the place where the greatest
The singer describes a specific location that is particularly special to them.

Show on earth is playin' high on your highway
This location is currently hosting an amazing event or spectacle.

You shoulda seen me I've been told
The artist's actions during the event were notable and memorable.

I had a smile upon my face
The artist was filled with joy and excitement during the event.

Slippin' from state to state
The singer traveled to many different places during the event.

Endin' up in a drunken state of grace
The artist ended up drunk, but still feeling elevated and joyful.

It wasn't very long ago
Reflecting on the event, the singer realizes that it has only been a short time since it occurred.

I used to say this kind of life is rough
The singer previously had negative feelings about their life and situation.

You shoulda been there
The singer repeats their desire for the listener to have been present at the event.

But I can tell you even that was not enough
Even though the event was amazing, the artist's desire for something more persists.