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Gentle On My Mind Lyrics
It's knowin' that your door is always open
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleepin' bag rolled up
And stashed behind your couch
And it's knowin' I'm not shackled by forgotten words and bonds
And the ink stains that have dried upon some lines
That keeps you in the back roads by the rivers of my memory
And keeps you ever gentle on my mind
It's not clingin' to the rocks and ivy
Planted on their columns now that bind me
Or somethin' that somebody said
Because they thought we fit together walkin'
It's just knowin' that the world will not be cursin' or forgivin'
When I walk along some railroad track and find
That you're movin' on the back roads by the rivers of my memory
And for hours you're just gentle on my mind
Though the wheat fields and the coastlines
And the junkyards and the highways come between us
And some other woman's cryin' to her mother
'Cause she turned and I was gone
I still might run in silence, tears of joy might stain my face
And the summer sun might burn me till I'm blind
But not to where I cannot see you walkin' on the back roads
By the rivers flowin' gentle on my mind
I dip my cup of soup
Back from a gurglin', cracklin' cauldron in some train yard
My beard a roughenin' coal pile
And a dirty hat pulled low across my face
Through cupped hands 'round a tin can
I pretend to hold you to my breast and find
That you're wavin' from the back roads by the rivers of my memories
Ever smilin', ever gentle on my mind
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleepin' bag rolled up
And stashed behind your couch
And the ink stains that have dried upon some lines
That keeps you in the back roads by the rivers of my memory
And keeps you ever gentle on my mind
Planted on their columns now that bind me
Or somethin' that somebody said
Because they thought we fit together walkin'
When I walk along some railroad track and find
That you're movin' on the back roads by the rivers of my memory
And for hours you're just gentle on my mind
And the junkyards and the highways come between us
And some other woman's cryin' to her mother
'Cause she turned and I was gone
And the summer sun might burn me till I'm blind
But not to where I cannot see you walkin' on the back roads
By the rivers flowin' gentle on my mind
Back from a gurglin', cracklin' cauldron in some train yard
My beard a roughenin' coal pile
And a dirty hat pulled low across my face
I pretend to hold you to my breast and find
That you're wavin' from the back roads by the rivers of my memories
Ever smilin', ever gentle on my mind
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The man wants to be free of commitments , and doesnt want to be tied down.. He is a wanderer and would love to explore the world and travel. Life is a journey.. Someone in his life loves him unconditionally, loves him always whether he's near or far.. And he knows, he will be accepted anytime he comes back, whether he returns physically or by imagination.. That person touched his heart but he is a free spirit and he will wander and roam.. And yet, this object of his affection shall always be in his memory, and will forever be gentle on his mind..
@jambapanda I feel your are exactly right. I woke up from a dream. Glen Cambell was singing Gentle on my mind. I said his name, he looked at me and I woke up.. I have been confused about this song for long time wondering why did I have a dream about this. I'm always wondering about this song when I hear it..
@jambapanda I feel your are exactly right. I woke up from a dream. Glen Cambell was singing Gentle on my mind. I said his name, he looked at me and I woke up.. I have been confused about this song for long time wondering why did I have a dream about this. I'm always wondering about this song when I hear it..
@jambapanda For me this song (GOMM) is about hardship, separation, and a man's deep and abiding love for a sweetheart he is separated from physically, but never consciously. The movie Dr Zhivago (which inspired the song) was about the chaos and hardships of the Russian revolution and the forced physical separation of lovers by war and its chaos. The song also points out that its love which binds and commits this man to his girl, and not the ink stains on a marriage contract. When I listen to GOMM I imagine a man searching for work during hard times like the...
@jambapanda For me this song (GOMM) is about hardship, separation, and a man's deep and abiding love for a sweetheart he is separated from physically, but never consciously. The movie Dr Zhivago (which inspired the song) was about the chaos and hardships of the Russian revolution and the forced physical separation of lovers by war and its chaos. The song also points out that its love which binds and commits this man to his girl, and not the ink stains on a marriage contract. When I listen to GOMM I imagine a man searching for work during hard times like the great depression or after a war (I dip my cup of soup Back from a gurglin', cracklin' cauldron in some train yard) and finding comfort and inspiration from the memory of this love of his life, a memory which nothing - even blindness- can take from him.
No commitments and none expected, freedom at all cost, no love letters, or official documents, no house to maintain or garden to tend, no outside opinions or unwarranted advice from anyone. His wanderlust has caused problems with her before but he will always love her. She is not the first woman to realize his unwillingness to relinquish his freedom. He is going to party and enjoy life to the fullest no matter what. He loves her, but he will not give up his freedom even if it means living as a homeless hobo. That's my take on it anyway.
I have always thought is was about a train hobo, who has a thought or dream of a woman, which he has made up, a girl (and a life) he wishes for, pretends to have, all with a made up storyline of her/his life but in reality only exists in... the back roads of his memory.
@dp10249455 I believe that your thoughts are closest to the songs meaning the way I see it. She doesn't have to be real but I believe she is. As Hartman said, he wrote this after seeing Dr. Zhivago, a poet who was in a committed relationship but longed for a woman from his past. He couldn't be with her. The reasons differ between a train hopping hobo (which the author was not but it was cool to be in the early 60s) and two seperated and cant find eachother because of the Russian Revolution, for why they couldn't be together. ...
@dp10249455 I believe that your thoughts are closest to the songs meaning the way I see it. She doesn't have to be real but I believe she is. As Hartman said, he wrote this after seeing Dr. Zhivago, a poet who was in a committed relationship but longed for a woman from his past. He couldn't be with her. The reasons differ between a train hopping hobo (which the author was not but it was cool to be in the early 60s) and two seperated and cant find eachother because of the Russian Revolution, for why they couldn't be together. The point is that they couldn't be together, not why. Both the author and Zhivago had commitments. Things like marriages and mortgages (ink stains and rocks and ivy) can strain relationships over time because being with that person is no longer strictly voluntary. He's not required to be with her. He loves her freely. He didn't abandon her. They were separated the events of their lives. Although, for whatever reasons, they can't be together, none of the tribulations of his life can keep him from the comfort of her memory. He can visit her in his thoughts and dreams, without any guilt over broken commitments, whenever he wants. Especially, when he settles down to sleep at night and is lonely (I tend to leave my sleeping bag rolled up and stached behind you couch.) Who more than a hobo, who has nobody and nothing, can appreciate having such memories to draw on? That might be why the story is told from that perspective. The song, as I see it, has absolutely nothing to do with wanderlust or fear of commitment.
@dp10249455 I believe that your thoughts are closest to the songs meaning the way I see it. She doesn't have to be real but I believe she is. As Hartman said, he wrote this after seeing Dr. Zhivago, a poet who was in a committed relationship but longed for a woman from his past. He couldn't be with her. The reasons differ between a train hopping hobo (which the author was not but it was cool to be in the early 60s) and two seperated and cant find eachother because of the Russian Revolution, as to why they couldn't be together....
@dp10249455 I believe that your thoughts are closest to the songs meaning the way I see it. She doesn't have to be real but I believe she is. As Hartman said, he wrote this after seeing Dr. Zhivago, a poet who was in a committed relationship but longed for a woman from his past. He couldn't be with her. The reasons differ between a train hopping hobo (which the author was not but it was cool to be in the early 60s) and two seperated and cant find eachother because of the Russian Revolution, as to why they couldn't be together. The point is that they couldn't be together, not why. Both the author and Zhivago had commitments. Things like marriages and mortgages (ink stains and rocks and ivy) can strain relationships over time because being with that person is no longer strictly voluntary. He's not required to be with her. He loves her freely. He didn't abandon her (the world will not be cursing or forgiving). They were separated the events of their lives. Although, for whatever reasons, they can't be together, none of the struggles of his life can keep him from the comfort of her memory. He can visit her in his thoughts and dreams, without any guilt over broken commitments, whenever he wants. Especially, when he settles down to sleep at night and is lonely (its knowing that your door ia always open and your path is free to walk, that makes TEND to leave my sleeping bag rolled up and stached behind your couch.) Who more than a hobo, who has nobody and nothing, can appreciate having such memories to draw on? That might be why the story is told from that perspective. The song, as I see it, has absolutely nothing to do with wanderlust or fear of commitment to her.
Contrary to a number of comments, I don't think the song has anything to do about freedom or the hippie movement of the 1960s. Hartford was inspired by Dr Zhivago, which may be the greatest tragedy ever filmed. This should be clue number one.
To me the song speaks of the bigger than life realities that can ruin love, while the memory of that love does not utterly disappear. Sometimes love can resemble Romeo and Juliet, or like Zhivago, larger forces can forever separate someone from their beloved.
Some 35 years ago as a young man, I myself loved a girl very deeply, but it was a crippling fear of marriage that caused me to destroy it. This is the same girl who had been my muse whilst I had been in a rock band through high school and first year of college.
It took many years for me to understand my fear of marriage and why I would commit love suicide. Likely, it had to do with being taken from my Mother at a young age. Attachment issues, they say. Anyway, unbeknownst to me at the time, the relationship was ultimately doomed from the very beginning. I spent many years accumulating the reality of it all...forgiving myself, others, and destiny itself.
Anyway, like no other, this song speaks loudly to me of the things I have spoken above. Today, I am happily married now to a woman I dearly love. As far as the young woman grown older, I know she is happily married with a family, and I am very happy for that. My only regret is hurting her so badly so long ago, and with no apparent explanation on my part. From time to time, her memory bittersweetly comes up... gentle, or not so gentle on my mind.
[Edit: .]
@Dapperhead41 This is beautifully written. You should probably write a song like this yourself.
@Dapperhead41 This is beautifully written. You should probably write a song like this yourself.
It was written by John Hartford, one of the most amazing musicians this country has ever produced. It seems to be about a hippie and his one true love (wherever she is).
Hartford says he wrote it in about 15 minutes, after seeing the movie "Doctor Zhivago", which triggered some memories for him. I can't see how they connect, but that's how things go.
Someplace I read that, shortly after he first wrote it, a female friend visited them, and his wife suggested he play it for her. When he was finished, she was in tears, and said it was the prettiest thing she had ever heard, or words to that effect.
It's simply brilliant.
John Hartford died a few years ago, and I still think it's a crime that he got so little recognition for his musical contributions. But as somebody told me at the time, those of us that know him appreciate what he did, and that's enough. And now Glen Campbell is fading away, having just released what he says is his last album, given his failing health (Alzheimers).
Sigh.
@historygeek I had heard that version before. One comment JH made that stuck in my mind was how that 1 hit made it possible to do whatever he wanted to do as far as music went. I remember him from The Smothers Brothers as well.
@historygeek I had heard that version before. One comment JH made that stuck in my mind was how that 1 hit made it possible to do whatever he wanted to do as far as music went. I remember him from The Smothers Brothers as well.
I agree that he was one of the most significant artists (as well as a steamboat captain) America's produced. I was fortunate to see him twice. Both times in small venues.
I agree that he was one of the most significant artists (as well as a steamboat captain) America's produced. I was fortunate to see him twice. Both times in small venues.
He eventually died from cancer. The Rolling Stone did a good article about him. I still listen to his music often.
He eventually died from cancer. The Rolling Stone did a good article about him. I still listen to his music often.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/john-hartford-dead-after-cancer-battle-20010605...
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/john-hartford-dead-after-cancer-battle-20010605
@historygeek When Johnny Cash died I said "the world doesn't seem right without him." I said it again when John Hartford died. When Glen Campbell died, I pulled my car into a gas station and wept uncontrollably. Triple Sigh
@historygeek When Johnny Cash died I said "the world doesn't seem right without him." I said it again when John Hartford died. When Glen Campbell died, I pulled my car into a gas station and wept uncontrollably. Triple Sigh
For me this song Gentle on my mind (GOMM) is about hardship, separation, and a man's deep and abiding love for a sweetheart he is separated from physically, but never consciously. The movie Dr Zhivago (which inspired the song) was about the chaos and hardships of the Russian revolution and the forced physical separation of lovers by war and its chaos. The song also points out that its love which binds and commits this man to his girl, and not the ink stains on a marriage contract. When I listen to GOMM I imagine a man searching for work during hard times like the great depression or after a war (I dip my cup of soup Back from a gurglin', cracklin' cauldron in some train yard) and finding comfort and inspiration from the memory of this love of his life, a memory which nothing - even blindness- can take from him.
Does anyone out there have an opinion about the meaning of this song? Too obvious?? is this guy a "player" who'd trying to reform? Is he killing that which he loves?? (GENTLE ON MY MIND - John Hartford)
@pixelperfekt I think of hartford as the poet. He is painting a picture. The meaning is up to us, the listeners. I think he creates different scenes...scenes where he is moving and traveling, and the same feelings, the same strong feelings about this person he loves is following him...haunting him perhaps....She is occupying his mind and is running counter to the distance and movement of his travels...he moves...and she is a constant...he is away and she is home....he is unable to get away from it...It is a painting of the inner thoughts and feelings of a rambler, who has found...
@pixelperfekt I think of hartford as the poet. He is painting a picture. The meaning is up to us, the listeners. I think he creates different scenes...scenes where he is moving and traveling, and the same feelings, the same strong feelings about this person he loves is following him...haunting him perhaps....She is occupying his mind and is running counter to the distance and movement of his travels...he moves...and she is a constant...he is away and she is home....he is unable to get away from it...It is a painting of the inner thoughts and feelings of a rambler, who has found that he can't get away from a call to love...So he is encountering love, and it is changing him...WE don't know what he will do with it. But it is that point for the rambler to have to deal with a call, or a missing....But he doesn't say that directly...He paints beautiful pictures of it, using poetry and this one song is a fine example of what song writing, combined with melody can do. Campbell's voice is just beautiful, and Hartfords folk roots, and instrumentation with the banjo made it a really big hit...It crossed over to country, pop, and rock at the time. I remember my sister playing the song on her folk guitar when she was 17, and my older aunt Franny asking her to play it and sing it again and again.
Amazing song! I think it's important to remember when it was written- 1967. Counter-culture, Vietnam, culture of "free-love." Remember Woodstock? Anti-establishment rejecting norms of the past. Agreeing with Jambapanda. Wherever he roams, she's On his mind. He keeps returning to stash his sleeping bag behind her couch. Sweet song.
@Kphudso " I think it's important to remember when it was written- 1967. Counter-culture, Vietnam, "- that's not what inspired the song writer John Halford to write the song - the inspiration came from watching the love story movie Dr Zhivago which was about the forced separation of lovers during the Russian Revolution - a time of hardship, danger,uncertainty. I love this song because it's about a man living a hard life (soup from cauldrons in train yards) who is constantly finding comfort from memories of the girl he left behind and who he longs to hold again (last verse)....
@Kphudso " I think it's important to remember when it was written- 1967. Counter-culture, Vietnam, "- that's not what inspired the song writer John Halford to write the song - the inspiration came from watching the love story movie Dr Zhivago which was about the forced separation of lovers during the Russian Revolution - a time of hardship, danger,uncertainty. I love this song because it's about a man living a hard life (soup from cauldrons in train yards) who is constantly finding comfort from memories of the girl he left behind and who he longs to hold again (last verse). And she is in love and committed to him ("your door is always open and your paths are free to walk"). If there was ever a song which shows how important the love of a woman can be to a man, its Gentle on my mind.
@Kphudso " I think it's important to remember when it was written- 1967. Counter-culture, Vietnam, "- that's not what inspired the song writer John Halford to write the song - the inspiration came from watching the love story movie Dr Zhivago which was about the forced separation of lovers during the Russian Revolution - a time of hardship, danger,uncertainty. I love this song because it's about a man living a hard life (soup from cauldrons in train yards) who is constantly finding comfort from memories of the girl he left behind and who he longs to hold again (last verse)....
@Kphudso " I think it's important to remember when it was written- 1967. Counter-culture, Vietnam, "- that's not what inspired the song writer John Halford to write the song - the inspiration came from watching the love story movie Dr Zhivago which was about the forced separation of lovers during the Russian Revolution - a time of hardship, danger,uncertainty. I love this song because it's about a man living a hard life (soup from cauldrons in train yards) who is constantly finding comfort from memories of the girl he left behind and who he longs to hold again (last verse). And she is in love and committed to him ("your door is always open and your paths are free to walk"). If there was ever a song which shows how important the love of a woman can be to a man, its Gentle on my mind.
The meaning to me about; unconditional love, & free to return to a good place of acceptance & security after al our wanderings. is Father God & Jesus their unconditional Love and peace .
@DaveLynn12 if you can see a religious reference in this song, you need your eyes tested. Clearly your belief is real to you, but leave the rest of us to our own reality, please.
@DaveLynn12 if you can see a religious reference in this song, you need your eyes tested. Clearly your belief is real to you, but leave the rest of us to our own reality, please.
The fellow in this song (probably a hippie or a hobo) enjoys the company of a certain lady, maybe even cares about her in his way, but has no interest in having her or any other woman in his life as anything other than occasional company. He does NOT want to be exclusive with this woman or anyone else (It's knowin' that your door is always open And your path is free to walk = you are free to enjoy other people's company, as am I, and I like that). He does NOT want to live with anyone (It's not clingin' to the rocks and ivy Planted on their columns now that bind me = I don't want to share a home with anyone) and he definitely does NOT want to get married (