Lyric discussion by cruel shoes 

Cover art for Top of the World lyrics by Patty Griffin

I prefer Griffin's version to the Dixie Chicks'. Her voice is just crystal clear. The song is about a man who neglects his children and his wife, and he regrets it after he dies. He didn't give her encouragement, he wasn't demonstrative where affections are concerned. The ending where she sings "top of the world" over and over always gives me chillbumps.