The Road I Must Travel
Tom Morello The Nightwatchman Lyrics


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Well I climbed the seven summits
And I swam the seven seas
But the road I must travel
Its end I cannot see
Well I fought in the jungles
And I fought in the streets
But the road I must travel
Its end I cannot see
Once I had a reason
Don't know what it could be
And the road I must travel
Its end I cannot see
Well I sang to myself
That I want to be free
But the road I must travel
Its end I cannot see

I walked the empty desert
And I was burned in the heat
But the road I must travel
Its end I cannot see
Well I crossed the frozen wasteland
And in the bitter cold did freeze
But the road I must travel
Its end I cannot see
And I will knock on every door
For I do not have a key
And the road I must travel
Its end I cannot see
Well I sang to myself
That I want to be free
But the road I must travel
Its end I cannot see

They shot a man in Soho
Couldn't guess his age
I found his empty journal
I filled up every page
I called up my state senator
They said he wasn't there
The secretary took my name
And man she sounded scared
So I counted my misfortunes
I added up the blame
I picked through all the garbage
I checked off all the names
I read in the newspaper
They'd questioned all my friends
They hoped that they could my ass
Before I struck again
So I sang to myself
That I want to be free
But the road I must travel
Its end I cannot see

So when thirsty I will drink
When hungry I will steal
But the road I must travel
Its end I cannot see
So tonight I walk in anger
With worn shoes on my feet
And the road I must travel
Its end I cannot see
And I will sing to myself
That I'm gonna be free
But the road I must travel
Its end I cannot see





There's a sign along the highway
But it's too dark now to read

Overall Meaning

The Nightwatchman's song The Road I Must Travel is a powerful and emotional commentary on the human condition and the journey we all take through life. The lyrics recount the struggles and hardships of the singer as he navigates unknown and uncertain trails, with no clear end in sight. The chorus, "But the road I must travel, Its end I cannot see," serves as a haunting reminder that the journey is often more important than the destination, and that the twists and turns of life can be both unpredictable and exhilarating.


The first verse of the song speaks to the physical challenges the singer has faced, climbing mountains and crossing oceans, yet he still feels lost and unsure. The second verse mentions the emotional toll of his journey, with lines like "I walked the empty desert, And I was burned in the heat." The third stanza, referencing a murder in Soho, seems to suggest that the singer has witnessed or experienced something traumatic and is now on the run. The final verse speaks to the desperation and fear that can overtake someone in this situation, with the singer resorting to theft and anger.


Line by Line Meaning

Well I climbed the seven summits
I have accomplished great feats and climbed to the highest peaks


And I swam the seven seas
I have traveled far and wide through difficult waters


But the road I must travel Its end I cannot see
Though I have achieved much, my journey is not yet over and I cannot predict where it will lead


Well I fought in the jungles
I have struggled through the toughest of environments


And I fought in the streets
I have battled through the challenges of urban living


Once I had a reason Don't know what it could be
I used to have purpose, but have now lost it


Well I sang to myself That I want to be free
I dream of freedom and release from my struggles


I walked the empty desert And I was burned in the heat
I have faced severe difficulties in barren lands


Well I crossed the frozen wasteland And in the bitter cold did freeze
I have faced the harshest of winter climates


And I will knock on every door For I do not have a key
I am willing to try anything to find a way forward


They shot a man in Soho Couldn't guess his age
A tragedy occurred and his age is unknown


I found his empty journal I filled up every page
I have tried to connect with and understand this man's life


So I counted my misfortunes I added up the blame
I have reflected on my struggles and faults


I picked through all the garbage I checked off all the names
I have searched through everything for answers and explanations


They hoped that they could my ass Before I struck again
Others fear my power and seek to control me


So when thirsty I will drink When hungry I will steal
I am willing to do whatever it takes to survive


So tonight I walk in anger With worn shoes on my feet
I am frustrated with my situation and feel defeated


And I will sing to myself That I'm gonna be free
Despite my struggles, I maintain hope for a better future


There's a sign along the highway But it's too dark now to read
There may be clues to my path forward, but they are difficult to see




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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