The Bolton Stretch
Outlaw's Journey: Tales of Escape on the Bolton Stretch
Lyrics
He cracks a wicked smile and his foot pressed to the floor
Describes a man with a confident and rebellious demeanor, driving fast with determination.
Flyin' down country roads that he's been down before
He's navigating familiar country roads at high speed, indicating a sense of familiarity and perhaps evasion.
One of just three men that the sheriff cannot catch
Only one of three men the sheriff can't apprehend, portraying the character as elusive and skilled in avoiding the law.
And he's travelin' 90 miles down the Bolton Stretch
Traveling at a rapid pace (90 miles) down the Bolton Stretch, a location significant in the narrative.
The first time we had seen his face was back in '84
Introduction of the character's history, mentioning a robbery in '84 at O'Hare's liquor store.
He walked right into old O'Hare's, he robbed that liquor store
Theft committed by the man, setting the stage for his evasion from the sheriff.
The sheriff tried to catch him but the man he got away
The sheriff's unsuccessful attempt to capture the man during the initial crime.
And he didn't show his face in town again until today
The man resurfaces in town after years, suggesting he's been on the run or lying low.
Didn't come for justice, didn't come to make amends
Clarifies the man's purpose in returning – not seeking justice, forgiveness, or friendship.
(He) doesn't ask forgiveness, he's not looking to make friends
Emphasizes the man's independent and unapologetic nature.
Just that he was passing through with money wearin' thin
He's passing through with dwindling money, possibly implying a transient lifestyle.
Now he's travelin' down the Bolton Stretch again
Reiterates the man's journey down the Bolton Stretch, emphasizing the central location in the story.
He watches all the trees fly by, but doesn't seem to care
The man observes passing scenery without concern, indicating a detachment from his surroundings.
Knows it's time to leave again, but doesn't know to where
Recognition that it's time for him to leave again, but uncertain about the destination.
And though he stole a lot of money, it's not enough for bail
Although he stole a substantial amount, it's insufficient for bail, highlighting his predicament.
And there are two blue lights behind him now, the sheriff's on his trail
Two blue lights indicate the sheriff is chasing him, intensifying the pursuit.
Since the day that he was born he spent his whole live livin' free
The man's life story – born to live freely with loose ties to friends and family.
With nothing but the loosest ties to friends and family
He remains unattached and unaffected by societal bonds.
No punishment will make him care about the things he's done
Conveys that no punishment can make him remorseful for his actions.
And if he lives another 20 years he'll live 'em on the run
Predicts that he will continue a life on the run if he survives another two decades.
Didn't come for justice, didn't come to make amends
Repeats the man's lack of interest in justice, amends, forgiveness, or making friends.
(He) doesn't ask forgiveness, he's not looking to make friends
Reiterates the unapologetic and independent nature of the man.
Just that he was passing through with money wearin' thin
Reaffirms his transient nature with diminishing finances.
Now he's travelin' down the Bolton Stretch again
Final mention of his journey down the Bolton Stretch, completing the narrative loop.
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