Josh Ritter

Idaho [DVD][Live]

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Idaho [DVD][Live] Lyrics

All that love all those mistakes
What else can a poor man make?
So I gave up a life of crime
I gave it to a friend of mine
Something else was on my mind
The only ghost I'm haunted by
I hear her howling down below
Idaho, oh, Idaho

Wolves, oh wolves, oh can't you see?
Ain't no wolf can sing like me
And if it could then I suppose
He belongs in Idaho
Packs of dogs and cigarettes
For those who ain't done packing yet
My clothes are packed and I want to go
Idaho, oh, Idaho

I'm out at sea for seven years
I got your letter in Tangier
I thought that I'd been on a boat
Till that single word you wrote
That single word it landlocked me
Turned the masts to cedar trees
And the winds to gravel roads
Idaho, oh, Idaho

Turned the wind to gravel roads
Idaho, oh, Idaho

Submitted by

songmeanings On Feb 06, 2012

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SongMeanings

Submitter

2012-02-06 18:02:50

1 Meaning

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by mjennin23

14y ago

I'm sure there's a great metaphorical reasoning behind this song, but I like to view it more literally. I've met a lot of people who grew up in small towns in middle America dreaming of the fast-paced glamour of city life. They are so anxious to get out of there and move somewhere more exciting, and when they do, they live it up and have a great time until 5-10 years pass and they get it out of their system and realize that they weren't meant for the city. They realize their values and all the things important to them are back in that small town setting where they grew up and it's where they want to raise their children and such.

Every time I hear this song, this is the sentiment I feel I hear Josh singing about. He "gave up his life of crime" and passed it on to the next wave of people seeking the fast life. He is "haunted" by the desire to be back at home where he feels belongs.

My Opinion

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