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Things That You Know
The Wailin' Jennys Lyrics
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Even those you call the closest
Have slipped away somehow
Feels like a lifetime you've been on the road
With so many miles behind you
You'd think you'd have left this world by now
You've seen more than they could ever know
You've earned the right to be so bold
But this life it takes its toll on you
Every face around you looks so tired and so old
And you have not seen everything
You have not seen everything
But there are things that you know
Things that you know
From where you've had to go
Where you've had to go
Maybe soon you'll find a place
To call your own
To call your home
You've walked a good mile in your brother's shoes
'Til your legs could walk no further
And your tired soles would burn
You know there's peace somewhere around the bend
It's been a long time coming
And you're ready for your turn
And you have not seen everything
You have not seen everything
But there are things that you know
Things that you know
From where you've had to go
Where you've had to go
Maybe soon you'll find a place
To call your own
To call your home
The song "Things That You Know" by The Wailin' Jennys explores the complex emotions and experiences that come with a life on the road. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a weary traveler who has been journeying for what feels like a lifetime. Despite the many miles behind them, the singer of the song feels disconnected from those who were once close to them. They are haunted by the weariness and age they see in the faces around them and maybe even in their own. However, despite the mental and physical toll of the constant travel, this person has gained a unique perspective that few others may understand.
The chorus of the song delivers a message of hope, reminding the traveler that while they have not seen everything, they do know some things. The wisdom and experience that come from a life on the road have given them a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for the little things in life, like finding a place to call home. This theme of hope pervades the song and offers a message of resilience in the face of hardship.
Interestingly, the song was written by Canadian singer-songwriter Ruth Moody, who is one-third of The Wailin' Jennys. While the lyrics were inspired by Moody's own experiences on the road as a touring musician, the song has resonated with many listeners who have found themselves feeling disconnected and weary from the constant demands of daily life. It is a powerful reminder to slow down and appreciate the journey, even when it is challenging.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been a long time since you saw your home
You have been away from your home for a lengthy period of time.
Even those you call the closest
People who you consider to be your closest friends have somehow distanced themselves from you.
Have slipped away somehow
Those who were once close to you have become distant, as if they have slipped away from you.
Feels like a lifetime you've been on the road
You have been traveling for so long that it seems like it has been a lifetime since you left home.
With so many miles behind you
You have traveled a great distance.
You'd think you'd have left this world by now
The amount of time and distance you have travelled is so great that it might seem like you should have died by now.
You've seen more than they could ever know
You have experienced things that others could not imagine.
No matter what they say
Regardless of what others say.
You've earned the right to be so bold
You have had enough experiences that you can confidently speak your mind.
But this life it takes its toll on you
The lifestyle you have been living has started to weigh on you.
Every face around you looks so tired and so old
The people you encounter seem fatigued and aged because of the toll the lifestyle takes on them.
And you have not seen everything
There are still things you have yet to experience.
But there are things that you know
Despite not having seen everything, there are things you do know.
Things that you know
There are things that you understand.
From where you've had to go
The experiences you have had have taught you new things.
Where you've had to go
The places you have been have exposed you to new things.
Maybe soon you'll find a place
Perhaps you will discover a new location that you can call your own.
To call your own
A place that feels like it belongs to you and makes you feel at home.
You've walked a good mile in your brother's shoes
You have tried to understand what it's like to be in someone else's position.
'Til your legs could walk no further
You continued to try to understand, even when it became difficult.
And your tired soles would burn
Trying to understand the experiences of others has taken its toll on you.
You know there's peace somewhere around the bend
You believe that peace or calmness is just ahead.
It's been a long time coming
The peace or calmness that you seek has taken time to reach you.
And you're ready for your turn
You are ready for your time to arrive.
Contributed by Brayden F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ch
on Starlight
This song is about the practice of Starlight Tours in Canada.