Nothing Else Will Do
Strawbs Lyrics


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My gate is swinging open
My fence is broken down
My window's staring blindly
Greets the callers with a frown
And I need a place to hide away
When I am feeling blue.

Nothing else will do, babe
Nothing else will do.

I've got no friends to turn to
When I am feeling low
I'm lonely sad and empty
Most everywhere I go
I'd like to leave the world behind
And try and start anew.

Nothing else will do, babe
Nothing else will do.

All I ever wanted
Was a place to call my own
A place that's quiet and peaceful
Where I can feel so all alone
I've been told this place is heaven
I wonder if it's true.

Nothing else will do, babe
Nothing else will do.

But it seems the path to heaven
Is always round the bend
And always in the distance
There's a road that has no end
But I will hope to find it
Before my life is through.





Nothing else will do, babe
Nothing else will do.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Strawbs' song "Nothing Else Will Do" speak to the longing for a peaceful and safe haven from the pressures and sadness of the world. The singer describes a dilapidated physical environment - a swinging gate, a broken fence, a staring window - that mirrors their own emotional state, characterized by loneliness and a lack of friends to turn to for comfort. The repeated refrain "nothing else will do" emphasizes the urgency and conviction of this need for a place of respite, away from the difficulties of everyday life.


The lyrics also touch on the idea of heaven as a potential escape from the world's troubles. The singer expresses a desire for a place that is "quiet and peaceful" and where they can be "all alone." However, the path to this idyllic place is always just out of reach - "always round the bend" and with a road that has "no end." Nonetheless, the singer holds onto the hope that they will find this haven before their life is over.


Line by Line Meaning

My gate is swinging open
The entrance to my life is open and unguarded


My fence is broken down
The barriers that once protected me have been destroyed


My window's staring blindly Greets the callers with a frown
My outlook is bleak and unwelcoming to outsiders


And I need a place to hide away When I am feeling blue.
I require a refuge to retreat to when I'm feeling down


Nothing else will do, babe Nothing else will do.
There is no substitute; only this will suffice


I've got no friends to turn to When I am feeling low
In times of sadness, I have nobody to confide in


I'm lonely sad and empty Most everywhere I go
My emotional state is desolate, and it follows me everywhere


I'd like to leave the world behind And try and start anew.
I aspire to sever ties with my current life and pursue a fresh beginning


All I ever wanted Was a place to call my own
My ultimate goal was to discover a location that belongs exclusively to me


A place that's quiet and peaceful Where I can feel so all alone
A tranquil and serene setting where I can enjoy solitude


I've been told this place is heaven I wonder if it's true.
Others have suggested that this idyllic locale is akin to paradise; nevertheless, I remain skeptical


But it seems the path to heaven Is always round the bend
The journey to find my paradise may take more twists and turns than anticipated


And always in the distance There's a road that has no end
Despite the distance traveled, the destination remains elusive


But I will hope to find it Before my life is through.
Despite the uncertainty, I remain hopeful that I'll locate my serene refuge before passing away


Nothing else will do, babe Nothing else will do.
An assertion that only this perfect destination will satisfy my aspirations




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@progman5588

What a treasure was Sandra and still is to the ears. Tony Hooper's background vocals ring so sweet. God bless and live on through the music. Thanks Mr. Cousins for another masterful gem.

@primerye

Totally great.

@davidowen6977

Bliss in sound and image

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