Tightrope
Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double T Lyrics


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Runnin' through this business of life
Raisin' sand if I'm needed to.
Ain't so funny when things ain't feelin' right.
Then daddy's hand helps to see me through.
Sweet as sugar, love won't wash away.
Rain or shine, it's always here to stay.
All these years you and I've spent together.
All this, we just couldn't stand the weather.

Like a train that stops at every station,
We all deal with trials and tribulations.
Fear hangs the fellow that ties up his years.
Entangled in yellow and cries all his tears.
Changes come before we can grow.
Learn to see them before we're too old.




Don't just take me for tryin' to be heavy.
Understand, it's time to get ready for the storm.

Overall Meaning

The song "Tightrope" by Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double T's explores the ups and downs of life, and the importance of perseverance when faced with adversity. The opening lines of the song depict life as a business, suggesting that we are all navigating through it with a sense of purpose, but also acknowledging that sometimes things can be difficult. The imagery of "raisin' sand" indicates that the singer is willing to cause trouble if necessary, which suggests they have a determination to overcome the obstacles in their way.


The singer goes on to describe the role of their father in helping them through tough times, portraying him as a supportive figure who is always there to lend a helping hand. They also speak of the power of love, which they describe as being as "sweet as sugar" and always present no matter the circumstances. The lines "All these years you and I've spent together. All this, we just couldn't stand the weather" suggest that the singer has been through a lot with someone they care deeply about, and that despite the challenges they have faced, their bond has remained unbreakable.


The song then goes on to explore the idea that life is like a train journey, with each station representing a trial or tribulation that we must overcome. The lines "Fear hangs the fellow that ties up his years. Entangled in yellow and cries all his tears" suggest that those who allow their fears to hold them back will ultimately be consumed by them, while those who face their fears head-on will be able to move forward and grow. The song ends with a warning to prepare for the storm, saying that we should be ready to face the challenges that life throws our way.


Line by Line Meaning

Runnin' through this business of life
Navigating the challenges and obstacles that come with living.


Raisin' sand if I'm needed to.
Causing trouble if it's necessary to get things done.


Ain't so funny when things ain't feelin' right.
It's not amusing when life isn't going well.


Then daddy's hand helps to see me through.
Having someone to rely on for support can make all the difference.


Sweet as sugar, love won't wash away.
True love endures any hardship and can never be forgotten.


Rain or shine, it's always here to stay.
True love is always present, regardless of the circumstances.


All these years you and I've spent together.
We have been through many years and experiences together.


All this, we just couldn't stand the weather.
Despite our love enduring many challenges, some were simply too much to bear.


Like a train that stops at every station,
Life is a journey with many stops along the way.


We all deal with trials and tribulations.
Everyone faces challenges and difficulties in life.


Fear hangs the fellow that ties up his years.
Fear can hold us back and keep us from living our lives fully.


Entangled in yellow and cries all his tears.
Being trapped in fear can leave us feeling lost and hopeless.


Changes come before we can grow.
Growth requires change and adaptation to new situations.


Learn to see them before we're too old.
Being open to change and learning throughout our lives is crucial to personal growth.


Don't just take me for tryin' to be heavy.
I'm not trying to be overly serious or burdening.


Understand, it's time to get ready for the storm.
It's important to prepare ourselves for the challenges life will bring.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: DOYLE BRAMHALL, STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@me2js

The original airing of this did not televise this song. In order of appearance in the original airing was:
House Is Rockin
Leave My Little Girl Alone
Cold Shot
Crossfire
Riviera Paradise
Little Thing(Duet with WC Clark)
Take Me to the River(everyone)

Those listed is songs originally aired with SRV. Keep in mind, it was for WC Clark’s 50th birthday celebration



All comments from YouTube:

@AJLTunes

For me this is SRV at his absolute peak. Playing his heart out with a smile on his face and clean from drugs. One of the very best guitarists ever.

@cs868

Alex Lloyd I agree completely. I saw SRV 6-7 times and it’s fantastic he got clean and showed us the rest of his magic. His playing here is superb and there is such an amazing message of redemption and hope for the human condition.

@Kedbuka

Yep, one of the best. He was at his absolute best here, totally clean and playing beautifully. My God, what he could've accomplished.

@dallasherring1092

Pretty sure he was the best. He could effortlessly, perfectly blister anything he played. Wow how bad do I miss this guy....life cut tragically short.

@bensblues

Sure his playing was a little bit neater here but some of the most incredible came from pre rehab srv before October 86. Especially voodoo child.

@jeffsandy5088

One of the very best ??? THE VERY BEST !!!!!!!!!!!

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@ghggf8761

you know a musician's good when the live version is better than the studio version

@jamessullivan3670

Exactly

@craigjohnson5590

Amen!

@kylegarshott1321

I didmt get blessed to see him live but YouTube is telling me he is so much more wild live, truly a master of his craft. Played every live show like it was his last

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