Here’s my guess: The “hands held high” is an image for hopefulness and enthusiasm as is the reference to “open skies” (transcendence). He seems to be talking about the decision to venture out on your own — to chart your own path. This continues the image of standing at the end of the highway and looking into the desert. These are the words of a kindred spirit who’s about to chase a dream knowing full well that there’s no turning back and the road will be hard. Like so many others who started out before him with enthusiasm, he’s ready to see it through to the end — to his very death. Death comes to all, but he wants to meet it on his terms — on the road that he’s going to build. And he’s going into it with his eyes open — very few make it through the desert and the ones who don’t make it (as well as the ones who do), pay a heavy price. He’s made up his mind, and he’s fully ready to pay that price. (This song — the lyrics paired with the music - is Springsteen at his best.)
Here’s my guess: The “hands held high” is an image for hopefulness and enthusiasm as is the reference to “open skies” (transcendence). He seems to be talking about the decision to venture out on your own — to chart your own path. This continues the image of standing at the end of the highway and looking into the desert. These are the words of a kindred spirit who’s about to chase a dream knowing full well that there’s no turning back and the road will be hard. Like so many others who started out before him with enthusiasm, he’s ready to see it through to the end — to his very death. Death comes to all, but he wants to meet it on his terms — on the road that he’s going to build. And he’s going into it with his eyes open — very few make it through the desert and the ones who don’t make it (as well as the ones who do), pay a heavy price. He’s made up his mind, and he’s fully ready to pay that price. (This song — the lyrics paired with the music - is Springsteen at his best.)