Walter Whitman Where Are You
Vannelli Gino Lyrics


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Walter Whitman where are you
Among the stars or, in the earth beneath my shoe
It's just cause I'm wondering
Could you walk with me a mile
And maybe heaven could spare you awhile

Walter Whitman, I confess
My faith is shaken
And my life's a holy mess
Yes, I need deliverance
But I'd settle for a smile
Now maybe heaven can spare you awhile
I thought I heard you yawpin' from the yonder tree
I swore I heard you say
"Don't worry boy, shut up, enjoy, be free"

Walter Whitman, I declare
I could sing songs of joy
Through my darkness and despair
It's just I'm hoping
You could shed a little light
That is if heaven can spare you tonight

Don't worry boy, shut up, enjoy, be free

Walter Whitman, I declare
I could sing songs of joy
Through my darkness and despair
It's just I'm hoping
You could coax a problem child
Now maybe heaven could spare you awhile





Walter Whitman where are you?

Overall Meaning

The song "Walter Whitman Where Are You" by Gino Vannelli is a tribute to the poet Walt Whitman, who is seen as an inspiration for the singer's own songwriting. The lyrics express a yearning to connect with Whitman, who Vannelli imagines might be "among the stars" or "in the earth beneath [his] shoe." The singer wonders if Whitman might be able to walk with him for a mile, and perhaps even "shed a little light" on his life.


Throughout the song, Vannelli expresses his own struggles with faith and his tumultuous life. He declares that he is in need of deliverance and hopes that Whitman can "coax a problem child." However, the poet's message is ultimately one of freedom and enjoyment, as Vannelli recounts hearing him say, "Don't worry boy, shut up, enjoy, be free." The singer seems to want to take these words to heart and find hope for himself in the words of another.


Overall, "Walter Whitman Where Are You" is a poignant reflection on the power of inspiration and the enduring legacy of a literary figure. Vannelli's lyrics convey a sense of deep respect for Whitman, while also grappling with feelings of doubt and uncertainty.


Line by Line Meaning

Walter Whitman where are you
The singer is searching for Walter Whitman, a symbol of spiritual guidance and wisdom.


Among the stars or, in the earth beneath my shoe
The singer wonders if Walter Whitman has passed away or if he is still alive and present in the world.


It's just cause I'm wondering
The singer is curious about the whereabouts of Walter Whitman.


Could you walk with me a mile
The singer hopes to receive some guidance and wisdom from Walter Whitman.


And maybe heaven could spare you awhile
The singer hopes that Walter Whitman is still alive and that he can come back to the world to offer his guidance.


Walter Whitman, I confess
The singer reveals that he is struggling with his faith and his life.


My faith is shaken
The singer has lost some of his belief in spirituality and is in need of guidance.


And my life's a holy mess
The singer's life is in chaos and he is searching for meaning.


Yes, I need deliverance
The singer is hoping for a way out of his current struggles.


But I'd settle for a smile
The singer would be grateful for any small glimmer of hope or happiness.


Now maybe heaven can spare you awhile
The singer hopes that Walter Whitman is still alive and can come back to offer spiritual guidance.


I thought I heard you yawpin' from the yonder tree
The singer thought he heard Walter Whitman's voice in nature, a place of spiritual connection.


I swore I heard you say
The singer believes that Walter Whitman's spirit is still alive and present in the world.


"Don't worry boy, shut up, enjoy, be free"
These words are attributed to Walter Whitman, offering the singer advice to let go of his worries and find freedom in the present moment.


Walter Whitman, I declare
The singer calls out to Walter Whitman once again, seeking guidance and wisdom.


I could sing songs of joy
The singer is hopeful that he can find happiness and gratitude in life.


Through my darkness and despair
The singer is going through a difficult time and is searching for a way out.


It's just I'm hoping
The singer is holding onto hope that Walter Whitman can offer him some guidance.


You could shed a little light
The singer is hoping for some spiritual insight from Walter Whitman.


That is if heaven can spare you tonight
The singer acknowledges that Walter Whitman may have passed away but is still hoping for some guidance.


Walter Whitman where are you?
The singer concludes the song with a repetition of the opening line, still searching for spiritual guidance and wisdom.




Lyrics Β© Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BROCK PATRICK WALSH, GINO VANNELLI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@krismael

Walter Whitman where are you
Among the stars or, in the earth beneath my shoe
It's just cause I'm wondering
Could you walk with me a mile
And maybe heaven could spare you awhile
Walter Whitman, I confess
My faith is shaken
And my life's a holy mess
Yes, I need deliverance
But I'd settle for a smile
Now maybe heaven can spare you awhile
I thought I heard you yawpin' from the yonder tree
I swore I heard you say
"Don't worry boy, shut up, enjoy, be free"
Walter Whitman, I declare
I could sing songs of joy
Through my darkness and despair
It's just I'm hoping
You could shed a little light
That is if heaven can spare you tonight
Don't worry boy, shut up, enjoy, be free
Walter Whitman, I declare
I could sing songs of joy
Through my darkness and despair
It's just I'm hoping
You could coax a problem child
Now maybe heaven could spare you awhile
Walter Whitman where are you?



@pajoafonso3490

"Walter Whitman where are you
Among the stars or, in the earth beneath my shoe
It's just cause I'm wondering
Could you walk with me a mile
And maybe heaven could spare you awhile
Walter Whitman, I confess
My faith is shaken
And my life's a holy mess
Yes, I need deliverance
But I'd settle for a smile
Now maybe heaven can spare you awhile
I thought I heard you yawpin' from the yonder tree
I swore I heard you say
"Don't worry boy, shut up, enjoy, be free"
Walter Whitman, I declare
I could sing songs of joy
Through my darkness and despair
It's just I'm hoping
You could shed a little light
That is if heaven can spare you tonight
Don't worry boy, shut up, enjoy, be free
Walter Whitman, I declare
I could sing songs of joy
Through my darkness and despair
It's just I'm hoping
You could coax a problem child
Now maybe heaven could spare you awhile
Walter Whitman where are you?"
--
Songwriters: Brock Patrick Walsh / Gino Vannelli
Walter Whitman Where Are You lyrics
Β© Warner Chappell Music, Inc



All comments from YouTube:

@chickchanteuse1

This is the best album Gino Vanelli ever made. I can listen to it over and over.

@mikaelengstrom4216

That chromatic harmonica played by Tollak Ollestad...... so beautiful !

@Seekingtruth-mx3ur

I heard this song years ago and I could never take it out of my mind. Glad I found it again. Such a great tune.

@genievalley5082

Simply the GOAT. I am a musician amd this Master is, unfortunately, not yet understood because His Music is too high level. Maybe in 100 years someone will be able to explain to the rest of the world. I could write a lot more about Him but... Ciao

@BG-pd6os

Thats a great way to put it, many of Miles Davis albums are the same!

@ivanivke

I confess my faith in Gino Vanelli

@lauragilio3733

:-)

@Suggo1

Great old school jazz, at it's best-- like he grew up around.

@NEtexaswoman

Intoxicating and sadly beautiful. Liquid velvet.

@rr7firefly

Great description!

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