Gentle on My Mind
Eternal Rivers of Memory: Unshackled Bonds and the Gentle Path
Lyrics
It's knowin' that your door is always open
Feeling reassured that the person's door is always open and the path is free to walk.
And your path is free to walk
Knowing that there are no obstacles in the relationship, allowing freedom of movement.
That makes me tend to leave my sleepin' bag
Feeling inclined to leave personal belongings behind, suggesting a sense of comfort.
Rolled up and stashed behind your couch
A sleeping bag is casually stored, indicating a relaxed and familiar atmosphere.
And it's knowin' I'm not shackled
Being unburdened by past commitments and promises.
By forgotten words and bonds
Freedom from the constraints of forgotten words and bonds.
And the ink stains that have dried upon some line
Referring to the permanence of memories marked by ink stains on a page.
That keeps you in the back roads
Choosing the less-traveled paths, away from mainstream expectations.
By the rivers of my memory
Referencing memories along rivers, symbolizing the flow of time and experiences.
That keeps you ever gentle on my mind
Expressing gratitude for the enduring gentle presence in the speaker's memories.
It's not clingin' to the rocks and ivy
Not being attached to things that restrict or confine, like rocks and ivy.
Planted on their columns now that bind me
Released from influences that once held the speaker.
Or something that somebody said because
Rejecting societal opinions about compatibility.
They thought we fit together walkin'
Choosing compatibility based on personal understanding rather than external judgments.
It's just knowing that the world
Acknowledging the certainty that the world won't judge or forgive their choices.
Will not be cursing or forgiving
Accepting the consequences when walking unconventional paths.
When I walk along some railroad track and find
Discovering the person's departure while walking along a railroad track.
That you're movin' on the back roads
Realizing that the person is moving on less-traveled routes.
By the rivers of my memory
Continuing to hold onto memories by rivers despite physical distance.
And for hours you're just gentle on my mind
Appreciating the enduring impact of the person on the speaker's mind.
Though the wheat fields and the clothes lines
Despite obstacles like wheat fields and highways, the connection remains.
And the junkyards and the highways come between us
Various elements symbolize challenges, but the relationship endures.
And some other woman's cryin' to her mother
Another woman's distress highlights the impact of the speaker's departure.
'cause she turned and I was gone
The speaker's abrupt departure affecting someone emotionally.
I still might run in silence
Possibility of returning silently without making a fuss.
Tears of joy might stain my face
Tears of joy may come with the realization of a reunion.
And the summer sun might burn me till I'm blind
Enduring challenges, like the summer sun, for the sake of the relationship.
But not to where I cannot see
Maintaining clear sight despite difficulties.
You walkin' on the back roads
Continuing to follow the less-traveled paths, guided by memories.
By the rivers flowin' gentle on my mind
Walking by rivers, symbolizing the flow of memories.
I dip my cup of soup back from a gurglin' cracklin' cauldron
Recalling a humble moment of enjoying soup by a train yard.
In some train yard
Immersing in the simplicity of life, represented by the train yard.
My beard a rustlin' coal pile
Describing a rugged appearance with a beard and a hat pulled low.
And a dirty hat pulled low across my face
Conveying a sense of anonymity and solitude in the speaker's journey.
Through cupped hands 'round a tin can
Imagining holding the person close even in challenging circumstances.
I pretend to hold you to my breast and find
Yearning for the person while facing difficulties.
That you're waitin' from the back roads
Believing that the person waits along less-traveled routes in the speaker's memories.
By the rivers of my memory
Continuing to cherish the person's presence in the speaker's recollections.
Ever smilin', ever gentle on my mind
(Refrain)
Comment