Open Mind
Wilco Lyrics


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I would throw myself underneath
The wheels of any train of thought
Running off the rails or sail you through
The rogue waves of your brain

If I could bring a light to shine
Upon the dark and disobey
The night so young
But I still say we're too old
For cliches

Oh I can only dream of the dreams we'd share
If you were so inclined
I would love to be the one to open up your mind

I could base my whole existence
Upon the cherry strands of your gold hair
I would ask almost insist upon
Treating you kind and fair

Oh I can only dream of the dreams we'd have
How our hearts would be entwined
If you would let me be the one to open up your mind

I'll still be myself beneath
The banks unbroken beside the stream
Ready to return your thoughts unlearned
So it goes
So it seems

Oh I can only dream of the dreams we'd share
If you weren't so defined




I would love to be the one to open up your mind
If you would let me be the one to open up your mind

Overall Meaning

Wilco's "Open Mind" is a tender and romantic song about a person pleading with their love interest to open their mind and let them in. The person sings about their willingness to throw themselves into the unknown, to be there for their love interest through every rough patch and every insecurity. The first verse talks about how the person is willing to jump in front of any train of thought or idea that their love interest is struggling with. They are willing to navigate through the chaotic landscape of their love interest's mind, no matter how treacherous it may seem.


In the second verse, the person asks if they could just shine a light into the dark corners of their love interest's mind, and help them see things that they may have overlooked. The person recognizes the age-old cliches that surround romance, but still wants to delve deeper and create something authentic and meaningful with their love interest. They dream about the endless possibilities that could be unlocked if they were allowed to be the one to open up their love interest's mind.


The final verse reflects the person's steadfast commitment to waiting, no matter how long it takes for their love interest to be ready to share their thoughts with them. No matter how long their love interest holds out, the person will always be there, eager and willing to explore their mind together.


Line by Line Meaning

I would throw myself underneath The wheels of any train of thought Running off the rails or sail you through The rogue waves of your brain
I'm willing to endure any kind of thought pattern, even those that seem erratic or chaotic, just to understand and relate to you better.


If I could bring a light to shine Upon the dark and disobey The night so young But I still say we're too old For cliches
I wish I could enlighten you and help you discover new ideas that challenge the norms, even though we might be considered too old for such pursuits.


Oh I can only dream of the dreams we'd share If you were so inclined I would love to be the one to open up your mind
I imagine the possibilities of us exploring new thoughts together, but only if you're open to it. I'd love to help expand your perspective.


I could base my whole existence Upon the cherry strands of your gold hair I would ask almost insist upon Treating you kind and fair
Your appearance and personality have such an impact on me that I would make them the focus of my life. I would treat you with the utmost respect and kindness.


Oh I can only dream of the dreams we'd have How our hearts would be entwined If you would let me be the one to open up your mind
I envision a future where we're intellectually and emotionally connected, but only if you let me help broaden your horizons and expand your way of thinking.


I'll still be myself beneath The banks unbroken beside the stream Ready to return your thoughts unlearned So it goes So it seems
I'll always be true to myself, even though I may appear static like a river bank. I'm willing to listen to you and learn from you, and then give back what I've learned.


Oh I can only dream of the dreams we'd share If you weren't so defined I would love to be the one to open up your mind If you would let me be the one to open up your mind
I long for the possibility of us exploring new perspectives and ideas together, but only if you're willing to let go of your preconceptions and open up to my influence.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JEFF TWEEDY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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