Going Away
Journey of Departure: Exploring the Unseen Horizons in Utah Phillips' 'Going Away'
Lyrics
is that the moon i see over there i the west
Questioning whether the light observed is the moon in the west.
or the headliight gleam C & O express?
Wondering if the light is the gleam of a train, specifically the C & O express.
i know she's gone, whatever i say
Acknowledging the departure of someone and the certainty of their absence.
it own't be long till i make up my mind and go away
Expressing an imminent decision to depart soon.
did you see that man he can't hear the whistle
Noting a man who is unable to hear the train whistle.
blind old fool caught out on the trestle
Describing a blind person in a precarious situation on the train tracks.
can't go up and he can't go back
Stating the person's inability to move forward or backward.
train kept coming brushed him ff the track
Describing the train hitting the blind person and knocking them off the track.
other storms may
Suggesting that other troubles or challenges may arise.
Is that the sun coming up on the eastern shore,
Questioning if the observed light is the sun rising in the east.
Or just the coal bed glow behind the firebox door?
Contemplating whether the light is the glow of coal behind a firebox door.
I know she's gone, whatever I say,
Reiterating the acknowledgment of someone's departure.
But it won't be long 'til I make up my mind
Expressing the inevitability of a decision to depart soon.
And go away.
Reinforcing the determination to leave.
(bridge)
Bridge section - No specific lyrical content provided.
Other storms may blow and the wind may rise,
Despite potential difficulties, expressing a longing to travel quickly.
Still I long to go where the fast mail flies.
Desire to go where high-speed mail services operate.
I know she's gone, whatever I say,
Repeated acknowledgment of someone's departure.
But it won't be long 'til I make up my mind
Reiteration of the imminent decision to leave.
And go away.
Restating the determination to depart.
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