Borderline
UFO Lyrics


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Daylight's rising across the plains
This rig is streaking like a hellbound train
I smuggle whiskey, I smuggle gin
Where there's a need well I just truck on in
I'm a gambling man, son of a gun
I'll take the risks now baby I'll make the run
Want to get home now, back in the saddle
Ain't gonna drive this kinda grade A cattle
Daylight's rising across the plains
This rig is streaking like a hellbound train
Albuquerque now, New Mexico
This .???.. one night show, yeah
* (And I'm) one step closer to the devil
One step further from the law
Lord I guess I'm just on borrowed time
But I'm one step closer to the
One step closer to the borderline
Eighteen hours on this one long shift
Want to hear the sweet sound of my tailgate lift
Lord I'm dying out on this road
Want to see my baby, help me unload
* Repeat

Rolling stock now, shifting steel
Got a woman with a touch to heal
Diesel, dust and my wheels are humming
So close to home, can you feel me coming
* Repeat
To the borderline...
To the borderline

* Repeat
To the borderline...




To the borderline...
Wheels are rollin' down on home

Overall Meaning

The song "Borderline" by UFO is about a truck driver who is on a long and arduous journey to deliver his smuggled goods. The opening lines suggest that the driver is traversing through the vast plains of the United States, as daylight is rising across the landscape. The truck is moving at a fast pace, akin to a hellbound train, as the driver continues to smuggle whiskey and gin to his customers. Even though the driver knows the risks involved in his job, he is a gambling man who takes them in order to make the delivery. He yearns to get back home and be back in his saddle, instead of driving cattle across the country.


The song's chorus highlights the driver's precarious position in life - he is one step closer to the devil and one step further from the law. He knows that he is living on borrowed time, but he is still one step closer to the borderline, i.e., he is about to successfully complete his delivery. The rest of the song continues in a similar vein, with the driver recounting the hours he has spent on the job and his desire to see his loved ones again. The lyrics also make references to places like Albuquerque in New Mexico, indicating that the driver's journey is extensive.


Line by Line Meaning

Daylight's rising across the plains
The sunrise can be seen over the wide open fields


This rig is streaking like a hellbound train
The truck is moving fast like it's on a mission to hell


I smuggle whiskey, I smuggle gin
I transport liquor discreetly and illegally


Where there's a need well I just truck on in
If there's a demand, I meet it without hesitation


I'm a gambling man, son of a gun
I take risks, and am quite skilled at games of chance


I'll take the risks now baby I'll make the run
I'll take the chance to transport risky goods in my truck


Want to get home now, back in the saddle
I long to return home and be on a horse again


Ain't gonna drive this kinda grade A cattle
I'm not going to drive a herd of cows like this


Albuquerque now, New Mexico
We've arrived in Albuquerque, New Mexico


This .???.. one night show, yeah
This is a one-night show in Albuquerque


(And I'm) one step closer to the devil
I'm getting into deeper and deeper trouble


One step further from the law
Every action I take distances me from the law


Lord I guess I'm just on borrowed time
I feel like I'm running out of time in my life


But I'm one step closer to the
Every risky move I make brings me closer to


One step closer to the borderline
Crossing the line that separates freedom from captivity


Eighteen hours on this one long shift
I've been driving for 18 hours straight


Want to hear the sweet sound of my tailgate lift
I can't wait to finally unload my cargo


Lord I'm dying out on this road
I'm exhausted and need a break from all of the traveling


Want to see my baby, help me unload
I want to see my loved ones waiting to greet me after this long journey


Rolling stock now, shifting steel
The wheels keep turning as the truck changes gears


Got a woman with a touch to heal
I have a woman waiting who can comfort and heal me


Diesel, dust and my wheels are humming
My truck is making noise and kicking up dirt and dust


So close to home, can you feel me coming
I'm almost home, can you feel my excitement?


To the borderline...
I'm getting closer and closer to the edge of danger


To the borderline
I'm getting closer and closer to the edge of danger


Wheels are rollin' down on home
My truck is rolling down the road towards home




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LAURENCE MARK WESTWOOD ARCHER, PETE WAY, PHIL MOGG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@erniecody4636

Like David Lake, this one gets lost in the more well known UFO lp's. It's a strong effort. Phil's vocals were never better and Archer really shines. Classic UFO. This rocks.

@Diostillrocks

Great album. Probably the best non Schenker/Moore/Chapman album by UFO.

@briansauer6695

First heard this song on the Lights Out In Tokyo CD a buddy had in the late '90's/early 2000's. Heard this and Runnin' Up The Highway on it. Was a kid when Lights Out and Too Hot To Handle came out. Loved those tracks! When I heard, especially, Borderline, it went right up there for me beside Lights Out and Too Hot To Handle as my more favorites! Love the, what I think is, the slide guitar. Really adds to the vibe of the song! Thanks for publishing!

@jamiewarriorwarlordmccallu5712

kick ass track from ufo sounds so blues too. my favourite track on the high stakes and dangerous men album. phil mogg perfect vocals as always.

@childofthemosthighgod1995

This is one of the few songs that I love that does not include Michael Schenker. Love Phil Moggs voice, always have. Michael and Phil complemented each other like wine and cheese.

@gggggggggggggggg5262

becca latina The whole album has it's own vibe...Enjoy :D

@kurtwoodard3209

Fan: The other song on this album that rocks even more than this one is 'Aint Life Sweet'., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cC2AVLuBBE&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTa8iknKz2KQBKx0rWGJQjca&index=4&fbclid=IwAR1LOjC2ee0RRDJ5ydhV-rs0exIWFTfnSP1CNhDtyHFNo5n34d30OKb6mVk

@robertflippin9112

wine and cheese haha couldnt have said it better

@elkepluntke3024

fantastic song

@shoot_the_glass5654

A friend of my mum gave me the album to this song years ago, don't have it anymore but according to Amazon it's worth alot of money.

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