Eight Miles High
Roger Mcguinn & Gene Clark Lyrics
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You'll 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 gray town known for it's sound
Round the squares huddled in storms
Some laughing some just shapeless forms
Sidewalk scenes and black limousines
Some living some standing alone
The song Eight Miles High by Roger McGuinn is a psychedelic rock classic that has been hailed as one of the greatest songs of the 1960s. The song describes the experience of flying at a high altitude and then landing in a strange place where nothing seems familiar. The first line of the song "Eight miles high" is a reference to the cruising altitude of a commercial airplane, and the subsequent line "and when you touch down, you'll find that it's stranger than known" suggests that the singer is describing a disorienting experience.
The imagery of the song is vivid and poetic, with lines like "Signs in the street that say where you're going are somewhere just being their own" suggesting that the lyrics are about the human condition of feeling lost and disconnected in a world that is constantly moving and changing. The repetition of the phrase "Nowhere is there warmth to be found" underscores the theme of isolation and a lack of human connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Eight miles high and when you touch down
Upon descending from a high state of mind, you will realize how unusual reality is in comparison.
You'll find that it's stranger than known
Reality surpasses all you know and expect in its peculiarity.
Signs in the street that say where you're going
Directional cues in life may not always lead you as expected.
Are somewhere just being their own
The people behind the directional cues found on the street are simply living their own lives.
Nowhere is there warmth to be found
People who fear change or failure fail to find any comfort or compassion from the world.
Among those afraid of losing their ground
Individuals who fear letting go or change may not find solace in their surroundings.
Rain gray town known for it's sound
The town is well recognized by the sounds it produces amidst the gloomy weather.
In places small faces unbound
In particular parts of the town, people allow themselves to be free and unconstrained by expectations.
Round the squares huddled in storms
People are often grouped together in the face of difficult times.
Some laughing some just shapeless forms
In challenging situations, not everyone is capable of finding humor or resiliency, and some lose themselves in the process.
Sidewalk scenes and black limousines
Life is a mix of both simple and luxurious experiences.
Some living some standing alone
Individuals choose to experience life in different ways, either through relationships or isolated from others.
Lyrics © Alfred, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DAIVD CROSBY, GENE CLARK, JIM MCGUINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
thewordofgord
Thanks for this rarity. Sweet harmony vocals and Roger at least attempting to scale the heights of his original solo.
Sebastian Saville
There has always been dispute over who actually wrote Eight Miles High. Gene Clark had one story saying he wrote it with Brian Jones in a hotel room. Roger McGuinn says he wrote it on an airplane coming back from England. All I can say is this. If you read the lyrics and look at the chord structure then, in my opinion, this has Gene's fingerprints all over it.
Mauricio Ochoa
Yes, exactly. I’ve always felt 8 Miles High was very similar in chord structure and melody to a previous Gene Clark gem Here Without You. Very similar. And the lyrics are typical Clark
Norma Tible
All 3 wrote it, brian wilson, mc guinn and clark..
Skeleton Word
Not to mention the issue of air travel is something that profoundly affected the course of Gene's trajectory within the Byrds. I've always doubted McGuinn/Crosby had much to do with the lyrics at least, they're just exactly Gene's soulful ponderous poetry, no offense to McGuinn. Crosby and McGuinn would both pick it up later in their careers but if you look at all Gene's songs up until this point vs the rare piece of McGuinn or Crosby material before this, you've got to be fooling yourself if you believe their credit was anything but a favor.
DearDrDoom
There is something so spooky about this song, gives me goosebumps. This version in particular.
ragpicker006
This is way, way better than I expected. Excellent, in fact. If only Gene had not left The Byrds shortly after recording 8 Miles High!
Robert S
Thank you. Great live version. Always great to see Gene.
wayback playback
This is a nice combination of Gene's original intent with the hit version.
CCRyder
Wayback playback - Agree 👍