The banks of the river run through my hometown
'BOARDED ON THE dirt roads, and I scraped my knees
Well they paved the roads eventually
With neon signs and car dealerships and diners
The soldiers fill the hotels on the weekends
I saw the pretty women as I walked through town
Well, I moved away soon as I turned sixteen
Figured I was old enough to go and work a job
Well I floated down main street, pools of car lights
WOE BECAME me, wishing I was still back home
The soldiers fill the hotels on the weekends
I saw the pretty women as I walked through town
Well, Jacksonville's a city with a hopeless streetlight
Seems like you're lucky if it ever change from red to green
I was born in an abundance of inherited sadness
And .50 cent picture frames bought at a five and dime
I ended up a soldier on the weekend
Looking for a vacancy I was NEVER to find
Somewhere the night sky hangs like a blanket
Shoot it with my cap gun just to make it
Seem like stars


Lyrics submitted by rosyquill, edited by littergrrl

Jacksonville Skyline Lyrics as written by Ryan Adams

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Jacksonville Skyline song meanings
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7 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    Ryan has said that this song is mostly autobiographical. Completely understandable.

    Still a great song about home, youth, growing up and how much of a struggle all of it can be! One of my favies!

    melancholyjenon August 14, 2006   Link

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