Lyrics
Half by sea
Embarking on a journey, possibly metaphorical, traversing both sea and land.
Through the isthmus o'er the cape they're rounding
Navigating the isthmus and cape, indicating a challenging and adventurous route.
Over land
Transitioning to a land-based journey.
Follow the shallow ribbon of the platte
Following the shallow platte river, a geographical reference.
An El Dorado waits
Anticipating a desirable place or state akin to El Dorado.
Like an avalanche
Describing the journey as overwhelming, like an avalanche.
And the boys are off to see
Boys are embarking on a quest, possibly metaphorical, to see something significant.
The elephant
Referencing the metaphorical "elephant in the room," a significant issue or truth.
How does it feel
Rhetorical question about the experience of roaming the land in a manner reminiscent of famous explorers.
To roam this land like Hart and Twain did?
Specifically mentioning Hart and Twain as examples of roaming explorers.
How, how does it feel?
Repeating the question, possibly emphasizing the quest's significance.
A thousand miles closer to hell
Highlighting the challenging nature of the journey, being closer to a difficult situation or hell.
Over land
Returning to the land journey, crossing notable geographical features.
They pass God's bluff and cross the basin
Mentioning God's bluff and crossing the basin, indicating overcoming obstacles.
Half by sea
Reverting to sea travel, following the coast.
They follow the coast and through the gate where
Reaching a gate and possibly a metaphorical threshold.
Gold is coated with gold
Gold symbolism on hills, possibly signifying wealth or a valuable destination.
On the languid hills
Describing the hills as languid, possibly a contrast to the anticipation of wealth.
Where they wait for hours and hours
Waiting for an extended period on the hills.
Cool gray ladies from shirley's learn us cheer
Reference to "Shirley's" and learning cheers, possibly a social or communal aspect.
And they sat for hours and hours
Continuing the waiting theme, emphasizing duration.
The luck of the roaring camp
Referring to "The Luck of Roaring Camp," possibly alluding to a literary or historical context.
And how they taught the outcasts of the flats
Describing teaching outcasts in a poker-faced manner, possibly resilience or unconventional methods.
In their poker face
Emphasizing that the poker face cannot conceal the excitement or intensity.
Cannot hide the fever of
Stating that the poker face cannot hide the fever of the children's crusade, possibly alluding to a fervent pursuit.
The children's crusade
Referring to the children's crusade, possibly a metaphor for a passionate and driven endeavor.
Slow, slower than slow
Describing a slow progression of time, possibly emphasizing the prolonged nature of the journey.
Days spill into one another
Days blending together, indicating monotony or a seamless continuation of the quest.
Gold is coated with gold
Repeating the symbolism of gold-coated hills, possibly reflecting on the pursuit of wealth or success.
On the languid hills
Reiterating the languid hills, possibly emphasizing a sense of calm or waiting.
Where they wait for hours and hours
Continuing the theme of waiting on the hills for an extended period.
Cool gray ladies from shirley's [?] cheer
Reference to "Shirley's" again, possibly a communal or social connection.
And they sat for hours and hours
Repeating the idea of sitting for an extended period, possibly emphasizing endurance or patience.
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