The High Road
Tim O'Brien Lyrics
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Thinking how you let me down
And deep in my heart I hear the sound
Of the song that carried me away
We would come here years ago
And the stars would shine and the wind would blow
You?d look in my eyes and I would know
Late last week in the marketplace
I heard your voice and I saw your face
You were gone without a trace
It sure did carry me away
I?ll play a tune and watch the stars
Hope the wind will carry it far
And if you hear me wherever you are
Just let it carry you away
Play old fiddle and carry me away
To another life and another day
Well, here?s a little tune I always play
It sure does carry me away
The lyrics of Tim O'Brien's song "The High Road" can be interpreted as a reflection on a relationship that has ended. The singer appears to be standing on a high road, looking down and thinking about how they were let down by their former partner. However, as they ponder their heartbreak, they hear a song that carries them away, perhaps symbolizing that they are finding a way to move on and escape from the pain.
The second verse provides some context for the relationship, suggesting that the couple used to visit this high road together and share intimate moments under the stars. The line "You'd look in my eyes and I would know / that you would carry me away" implies that they had each other's backs and were there to support one another through whatever life threw at them. However, that support seems to have vanished in the present moment, leaving the singer feeling lost and alone.
The third verse introduces a new development: the singer hears the voice and sees the face of their former partner in the marketplace, but they are "gone without a trace." This encounter seems to stir up powerful emotions, perhaps reminding the singer of the good times they shared, or sparking resentment and anger at being left behind.
Despite this turmoil, the singer ends the song on a hopeful note, declaring that they will "play a tune and watch the stars" and "let it carry [them] away." The "old fiddle" that they play takes on a magical quality, serving as a metaphor for the healing power of music and the ability to find peace and solace even in times of heartbreak and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
Up on the high road lookin? down
Reflecting on my current state, viewing my surroundings from a higher perspective.
Thinking how you let me down
Contemplating how you disappointed me.
And deep in my heart I hear the sound
Intuitively sensing a deep feeling within me.
Of the song that carried me away
Remembering a song that once brought me joy and escapism.
We would come here years ago
Referring to a past experience shared with someone else.
And the stars would shine and the wind would blow
Describing the environment from the past experience of stargazing.
You?d look in my eyes and I would know
Recalling the actions and expressions of the other person in the past experience.
That you would carry me away
Feeling assured that this person would provide emotional refuge and comfort.
Late last week in the marketplace
Referencing a recent event that occurred in a public space.
I heard your voice and I saw your face
Encountering the other person from a past shared experience in the present.
You were gone without a trace
Notably acknowledging the other person's absence from my current life.
It sure did carry me away
Feeling emotionally impacted by reminiscing on this encounter.
I?ll play a tune and watch the stars
Deliberately seeking solace in a familiar activity during a time of emotional distress.
Hope the wind will carry it far
Expressing a desire for the song to be carried away from me as a form of release.
And if you hear me wherever you are
Addressing the other person from the past experience.
Just let it carry you away
Encouraging the other person to also benefit from this nostalgic song.
Play old fiddle and carry me away
Asking the instrument to bring me back to a positive mental state.
To another life and another day
Imagining a hopeful future in which the emotional pain of the past no longer has a grip on me.
Well, here?s a little tune I always play
Sharing a personal coping mechanism with the listener.
It sure does carry me away
Affirming the efficacy of this tradition in healing emotional pain.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARRY GEORGE DEAN, BRENDAN O'BRIEN, LUKE ROBERT LAIRD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind