I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Freedom don't come easy, babe
When your spirit's flyin' up among the clouds
And when you're faced with the wise man's road
You gotta know where to go
Sun and the stars are a travelin' man's companion
Leadin' the way for his journey
East and west, wherever you go, mm
Leadin' the way
The first to come
Showin' the way for his children
Now it's up to you
Do you know you're pullin' through
Man, it's not easy and you know it
Children in a happy place
They're always smiling
Showin' all their love with no deception
Treatin' each other like brothers and sisters do, yeah, yeah
Children in a real good place, they're always tryin'
Jumpin' and playin' in the middle of the afternoon
Just havin' a ball, don't worry at all, yeah
Leadin' the way
The first to come
Showin' the way for his children
Now it's up to you
Do you know you're pullin' through
Man, it's not easy and you know it
Children in a happy place
They're always smiling
Showin' all their love with no deception
Treatin' each other like brothers and sisters do, yeah, yeah
Children in a real good place, they're always tryin'
Jumpin' and playin' in the middle of the afternoon
Just havin' a ball, don't worry at all, yeah
When your spirit's flyin' up among the clouds
And when you're faced with the wise man's road
You gotta know where to go
Sun and the stars are a travelin' man's companion
Leadin' the way for his journey
East and west, wherever you go, mm
Leadin' the way
The first to come
Showin' the way for his children
Now it's up to you
Do you know you're pullin' through
Man, it's not easy and you know it
Children in a happy place
They're always smiling
Showin' all their love with no deception
Treatin' each other like brothers and sisters do, yeah, yeah
Children in a real good place, they're always tryin'
Jumpin' and playin' in the middle of the afternoon
Just havin' a ball, don't worry at all, yeah
Leadin' the way
The first to come
Showin' the way for his children
Now it's up to you
Do you know you're pullin' through
Man, it's not easy and you know it
Children in a happy place
They're always smiling
Showin' all their love with no deception
Treatin' each other like brothers and sisters do, yeah, yeah
Children in a real good place, they're always tryin'
Jumpin' and playin' in the middle of the afternoon
Just havin' a ball, don't worry at all, yeah
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Spirit Lyrics as written by Tom Johnston
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.