Just Out of Reach
Sammi Smith Lyrics
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Love that runs away from me dreams that just won't let me be
Blues that keep on bothering me chains that just won't set me free
Too far away from you and all your charms
Just out of reach of my two empty arms
Each night in dreams I see your face mem'ries time cannot erase
So far away from you and all your charms
Just out of reach of my two empty arms
[ Guitar ]
That lonesome feeling all the time knowing you could not be mine
Dreams that hurt me in my sleep vows that we could never keep
So far away from you and all your charms
Just out of reach of my two empty arms
Just out of reach of my two empty arms
"Just Out of Reach" by Sammi Smith is a heart-wrenching ballad about unrequited love. The first line of the song, "Love that runs away from me dreams that just won't let me be" perfectly encapsulates the theme of the song. The singer is haunted by memories of a love that she can't have. She is weighed down by the blues that keep bothering her and chains that won't set her free. Despite her best efforts, she is unable to reach the object of her affection and is left with two empty arms.
The singer's desperation is clear in the lyrics, "Each night in dreams I see your face, memories time cannot erase, then I awake and find you gone, I'm so blue and all alone." She is constantly tormented by her love for someone who is out of her reach, and the pain is almost unbearable. The vivid imagery in the song, such as "dreams that hurt me in my sleep" and "chains that just won't set me free," really emphasize the helplessness and loneliness that the singer feels.
Overall, "Just Out of Reach" is a powerful and heart-wrenching song about the pain of unreciprocated love. Sammi Smith's soulful vocals perfectly capture the desperation and longing of the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
Love that runs away from me dreams that just won't let me be
The love that is escaping from me and the dreams that never allow me to forget you are deeply affecting me.
Blues that keep on bothering me chains that just won't set me free
The sadness that I feel inside and the restraints that won't release me are making it hard to live without you.
Too far away from you and all your charms
You are much too distant from my grasp and I feel like I am missing out on all of your wonderful qualities.
Each night in dreams I see your face mem'ries time cannot erase
Every night in my dreams, your face appears and memories of you that time can never erase keep haunting me.
Then I awake and find you gone I'm so blue and all alone
When I wake up, you are nowhere to be found, leaving me feeling devastated and completely alone.
That lonesome feeling all the time knowing you could not be mine
I am constantly plagued with a feeling of loneliness because I know that I can never have you for myself.
Dreams that hurt me in my sleep vows that we could never keep
The dreams that torment me at night and the broken promises that we could never fulfill are causing me great pain.
Just out of reach of my two empty arms
I am unable to embrace you with my two empty arms as you are always just beyond my reach.
Writer(s): V.F. (PAPPY) STEWART
Contributed by Emma J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Linda Lee
RIP Sammi, thank you for all the beautiful music you left us with that beautiful amazing voice . So underrated.... Fantastic thank you for posting 2-17-21
Jeffrey Paul
So Sad that we have lost another big Singer / Song writer. Rest in Peace Sammi Smith . At least your Songs will live forever .
Linda Lee
this is so beautiful with Sammi's amazing glorious voice....can't get enough of it..love it 2-18-21
Han Kwang
First time I've heard this song but her voice makes this song worth hearing. Thanks for the share
justess martin
Hauntingly beautiful!!! Thank you so much for this!!
Glennsten Bergkvist
A powerful and lovely reading of this classic.
Herb Houston
Such depth of feeling. Hauntingly beautiful. Grabs you by the heart.... and won't let go/.....
Stan Brown
Really enjoyed her version of this song. Great feeling.
todd canton
the kindest soul in country music.
rr byers
what a shame sammi smith never got the reconition she deserved she had so many great songs that were never played on the radio.the only song we heard over and over was help me make it through the night.a great song but we missed so many other great songs because of it.