Gentle on My Mind
Journey of Enduring Love: Gentle on My Mind by Jim Ed Brown
Lyrics
It's just knowing that your door is always open and your path is free to walk
The singer appreciates the feeling of always being welcome and free to come and go as they please.
That makes me tend to leave my sleeping bag rolled up and stashed behind your couch
The singer feels comfortable enough at the person's place that they don’t need to unpack their sleeping bag and can leave it stored.
And it's knowing I'm not shacked by forgotten words and bons
The singer is free from being tied down by forgotten promises or commitments.
And the ink stains that have dried upon some line
The singer is not burdened by past regrets or mistakes.
That keeps you in the back roads by the rivers of my mem'ry
The memories of this person are reminiscent of quiet and scenic places that are meaningful to the singer.
That keeps you ever gentle on my mind
The comforting memories of this person keep them at peace and grateful.
It's not clinging to the rocks and I'd be planted on their columns now that binds me
The singer is not held back or burdened by past hardships or challenges.
Or something that somebody said because they thought we fit together walking
Opinions or comments from others about their relationship don’t influence the singer's feelings.
It's just knowing that the world will not be cursing or forgivin'
The singer feels neither judged nor absolved by the world regarding their decisions and feelings.
When I walk along some railroad track and find
The singer is reminded of the person when they wander and explore different places.
That you're movin' on the back roads by the rivers of my mem'ry
Regardless of where life takes the singer, memories of the person persist.
And for hours you're just gentle on my mind
These memories offer solace and comfort for extended periods.
Though the wheet fields and the clothes lines
Various everyday sights and places separate the singer from the person.
And the junk yards and the highways come between us
Despite the physical distance and distractions, the person remains significant in the singer’s thoughts.
And some other woman cryin' to her mother cause she turned and I was gone
The singer recalls a poignant moment of leaving someone else behind and understands the pain involved.
I still might run in silence tears of joy might stain my face
The singer acknowledges that even amidst joy, there can be moments of longing or sadness.
And the summer sun might burn me till I'm blind
The intensity of emotions might be overwhelming, but the person remains a guiding light.
But not to where I cannot see you walking on the back roads
The singer can visualize the person even when faced with life’s challenges.
By the rivers flowin' gentle on my mind
Despite any hardships, the memories of the person are a constant source of comfort.
I dipped my cup of soap back from a gurgling crackling caltron in some train yard
The singer recalls a specific moment, perhaps from the past, in a train yard.
My beard a roughen coal pile and a dirty hat pulled low across my face
The singer describes a rugged appearance, possibly indicative of a challenging journey.
Through cupped hands round a tin can I pretend I hold you to my breast and find
Even in challenging moments, the singer finds solace in imagining being close to the person.
That you're waving from the back roads by the rivers of my mem'ry
The comforting memories of the person persist even when imagined in different settings.
Ever smiling ever gentle on my mind
These memories always present the person in a positive and comforting light.
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