Lyrics
Up on the ridge, I seen a rider passin' by
Observation of a rider passing by from an elevated location.
Up on the ridge, I seen a rider passin' by
Reiteration of seeing a rider passing by from the ridge.
I heard thunder in the distance
Hearing distant thunder, possibly symbolic of impending trouble or danger.
I seen the lightning in his eye
Perceiving a determined or intense look in the rider's eyes, akin to lightning.
Up on the ridge, I gotta tangle with my fate
Acknowledging a personal confrontation with destiny or circumstances.
Up on the ridge, I gotta tangle with my fate
Reiteration of the necessity to confront and resolve pending issues.
Details must be dealt with
Emphasizing the importance of addressing specific matters promptly.
Before the hour gets too late
Highlighting the urgency of dealing with these matters before it's too late.
Up on the ridge there's a highway headin' home
On the ridge, there's a route leading back home.
Where the ramblin' men must leave their sin
The place where wanderers must confront and let go of their wrongdoing.
Up on the ridge
A general reference to the ridge, possibly as a pivotal place.
Up on the ridge, there's a fire about to burn
An imminent danger or conflict is approaching.
Up on the ridge, there's a fire about to burn
Reiteration of the impending threat or intensity of the situation.
When the sun sets on the lowlands, only one of us will return
Implying a potential showdown or resolution with only one survivor.
Up on the ridge, there's a highway headin' home
A repeat of the idea of a route leading homeward for wanderers.
Where the ramblin' men must leave their sin
Where those who wander must confront and leave behind their wrongdoing.
Up on the ridge
A reinforcement of the significance of the ridge as a transformative place.
Up on the ridge, there's a highway headin' home
Similar to lines 11 and 19, reiterating the existence of a road leading home.
Where the ramblin' men must leave their sin
Reiterating the notion of confronting and abandoning sins for those who wander.
Up on the ridge, yeah
A final affirmation of the significance of the ridge in the singer's perspective.
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