The Crossing
Journey Beyond Bridges: A Song's Soaring Reflection
Lyrics
Bridge just south of town
Reference to a bridge just south of town.
They've been working on it for years now
Emphasizing the prolonged construction of the bridge over the years.
Just about finish up 'fore it occurs to anyone
Completion of the bridge is imminent, but realization dawns late.
They built that damn thing just about a foot off the ground
The bridge is built close to the ground but significantly higher than the surrounding road.
Way way higher than the road around
Describes the elevated position of the bridge compared to the road.
So if you happen down that highway, 'specially at night
Caution about approaching the bridge, especially at night, at a speed of 55 mph.
Hit the bridge at fifty-five
Suggests the sensation of taking flight when crossing the bridge at high speed.
Feel like you might just take flight
Expressing the surprising and exhilarating nature of crossing the bridge.
And every time the crossing comes as a surprise
The element of surprise is consistent each time the bridge is crossed.
See my flying
A metaphorical expression of the singer's feeling of flying during the crossing.
I've found quiet in this room
Finding peace or tranquility in a room.
Down by where the trains run
Near the train tracks, indicating a location with audible train sounds.
I've learned to hear the rumble, long before it
Developing the ability to anticipate events before they happen.
comes
A metaphor for being attuned to the subtleties of life.
And the things I'm working on
The singer's personal projects are not visible to others.
Are invisible to everyone
Reflecting on the mysterious nature of personal endeavors.
Something 'bout an empty hip or the angle of the sun
Reference to something elusive or hard to define.
Every time the crossing comes as a surprise
Reiteration of the surprise felt during each crossing.
See me flying
Continuation of the metaphorical theme of flying during the crossing.
Maybe these stitches in my throat
Possibly a metaphor for healing or resolution in the singer's life.
Have just about dissolved
Suggests the resolution or healing process is near completion.
Like the sad moan of the drunkard
Comparing the dissolving stitches to the melancholic sound of a drunk person.
walking home from the bar
Implies a somber atmosphere, possibly relating to personal experiences.
I hear the thin song of the fire house
Describing the distinct sound of a firehouse alarm.
when they sound the alarm
Indicating an awareness of community events or emergencies.
I hear the church bells on Sunday... ringing out
Reference to the sound of church bells on Sundays.
Used to be a town of dirt and horses
Reflecting on the town's transformation from rural to more urban.
Now it's all liquor and cars
Contrasting the current focus on alcohol and automobiles with the town's past.
There's still a whole lot of nothing
Emphasizing a sense of emptiness or void in the space between stars.
up between those stars
Highlighting the ongoing struggle for progress and meaning.
Take the dog out for a walk
Walking the dog on the Episcopal church lawn, possibly seeking solace.
On the Episcopal church lawn
Expressing a collective effort to move beyond current challenges.
My God we're still tryin' to find a way
Reiteration of the surprising nature of each crossing in life.
To get ourselves beyond
Metaphor for the singer's sense of flying or liberation during these moments.
And every time the crossing comes as a surprise
Continuation of the theme of surprise during life's crossings.
See me flying
A final expression of the singer's feeling of flying during significant life events.
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