Son Volt formed after the breakup of the band Uncle Tupelo, owing to the simmering creative differences between songwriters Farrar and Jeff Tweedy. The group's members lived in Minneapolis, St Louis, and New Orleans at the time. Son Volt is often considered the closest continuance of Uncle Tupelo's Alt-country/Americana sound and musical legacy. Jeff Tweedy would steer his post-Uncle Tupelo group Wilco towards more adventurous sonic territory - and greater critical and commercial success - in a move that has sharply divided fans.
Farrar has released albums under his own name and the Son Volt nameplate, though there is little continuity in supporting band members. After a strong initial showing with 1995's Trace, the original Son Volt lineup released two more records before going on permanent hiatus in 1999. After the original members were unable to reach an agreement on the terms of a reunion, Farrar put together a new version of Son Volt in 2004. The revived Son Volt has regained its creative footing with 2005's confident Okemah and the Melody of Riot. Son Volt went on to release "The Search" in the Spring of 2007.
Barricades
Son Volt Lyrics
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Hearts press on anyway and until
Where there’s smoke there’s fire, faith has charm
But faith can destroy
By and by all the threads are sown
Dark clouds make their presence known
Stand by the fire and just hope that it doesn’t burn out
When the world is not what it seems
On the outside looking in on a dream
Don’t let the barricades of life keep the wild spirit still
When the world around caves in
Lights will shine, let your life begins
Don’t let the barricades of life keep the wild spirit still
No matter what you set out to find
This competition down the line
The crime of one might be the salt of the earth tonight
Makes no difference what others say and do
The path goes on showing the way for you
The sign says redemption ahead
Move straight on through
[Chorus]
Don’t let the barricades of life keep the wild spirit still
The lyrics to Son Volt’s song “Barricades” highlight the idea that the world is not always what it seems, but that people must continue to press on and let their wild spirit guide them. The opening lines of the song describe the feeling of disappointment when something does not turn out the way it was expected. The waves of a tumultuous event have come down, but the world never wanted them in the first place. Nonetheless, people must press on and let their hearts guide them. The next line suggests that faith can have a charm, but it can also be destructive, indicating that people should not blindly follow their beliefs without considering their consequences.
The second verse talks about how people must keep moving forward despite the challenges they will face. The threads of life are sown, dark clouds loom overhead, but people must stand by the fire and hope that it does not burn out. The chorus then reminds the listener to not let the barricades of life keep their wild spirit still. It encourages them to keep pursuing their dreams no matter how difficult the circumstances around them may be. The last verse suggests that people must make their own way in life, regardless of what others may say or do. They must keep following the path that shows the way for them and move straight on through any challenges they face.
Overall, the song “Barricades” is a reminder to the listener to keep following their heart and trying to achieve their goals even when the world around them feels uncertain and difficult to navigate.
Line by Line Meaning
The waves came down but the world never wanted
Despite the force of nature's waves crashing down, the world didn't want them to.
Hearts press on anyway and until
Despite the difficulties faced, a person's spirit and determination carries them forward until their goal is reached.
Where there’s smoke there’s fire, faith has charm
When there's a hint of something, there's likely some level of truth to it, and faith can be alluring in its promise of hope and comfort.
But faith can destroy
However, faith can also be dangerous and lead to harm.
By and by all the threads are sown
As time passes, all of the pieces and connections come together to form a cohesive picture.
Dark clouds make their presence known
Problems and challenges become visible and apparent, casting a shadow over the situation.
Stand by the fire and just hope that it doesn’t burn out
Hold onto what brings warmth and light to your life, but also acknowledge that it may not last forever and hope for the best.
[Chorus]
The chorus repeats twice and emphasizes the importance of not letting life's obstacles quell one's spirit.
No matter what you set out to find
Regardless of what a person aims to achieve,
This competition down the line
There will be others who are trying to do the same thing or who are in some way in opposition.
The crime of one might be the salt of the earth tonight
Something that appears terrible or negative on the surface may actually have some greater benefit or purpose.
Makes no difference what others say and do
Other people's opinions and actions do not define a person's worth or dictate their choices.
The path goes on showing the way for you
Each person has their own journey to follow, but the path will reveal itself and guide them forward.
The sign says redemption ahead
There is the promise of renewal and salvation in the future.
Move straight on through
Continue forward without hesitation, despite any obstacles or doubts.
[Chorus]
The chorus repeats again as a reminder to stay true to oneself and maintain their wild spirit, even in the face of adversity.
Don’t let the barricades of life keep the wild spirit still
The final line repeats the main message of the song to not allow life's challenges and limitations to stifle the natural and adventurous spirit within oneself.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAY STUART FARRAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind