About the song
If there’s one artist who can truly capture the essence of the American road and the heart of a weary traveler, it’s none other than Kris Kristofferson. His music, often described as a blend of country, folk, and rock, has a way of resonating deeply with listeners of all ages. But it’s in songs like “This Old Road” that Kristofferson’s genius truly shines.
“This Old Road” is more than just a song; it’s a journey. It’s a reflective look back at a life spent on the open road, filled with both triumphs and trials. Kristofferson’s distinctive, weathered voice paints vivid images of dusty highways, lonely nights, and the enduring hope that keeps us going.
The song’s lyrics are a masterclass in storytelling. Kristofferson weaves together tales of love lost, dreams deferred, and the simple pleasures of life on the road. He invites us to join him as he travels down this “old road,” sharing his thoughts and experiences with a raw honesty that is both captivating and comforting.
“I’ve been down this old road so many times before/ I’ve seen the sun rise and the moon shine down on me/ I’ve been lost and found and lost again, it’s true/ But I keep on moving, just like a river flows.”
These opening lines immediately set the tone for the song. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and a longing for simpler times. Kristofferson’s ability to capture the universal human experience of feeling lost and searching for meaning is what makes his music so timeless.
Musically, “This Old Road” is a beautiful blend of traditional country elements and a more contemporary rock sound. The melody is both catchy and melancholic, perfectly complementing the song’s lyrical content. The instrumentation is sparse but effective, allowing Kristofferson’s voice to take center stage.
What makes “This Old Road” such a powerful and enduring song is its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. Whether you’ve spent your life on the road or simply daydream about escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s something in this song for everyone. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope to be found.
In conclusion, “This Old Road” is a testament to Kris Kristofferson’s songwriting prowess and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience. It’s a song that invites us to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of life’s journey. And it’s a song that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
Look at that old photographIs it really you?Smiling like a baby, full of dreamsSmiling ain’t so easy nowSome are coming trueNothing’s simple as it seemsBut I guess you count your blessings with the problemsThat you’re dealing with todayLike the changing of the seasonsAin’t you come a long way (Ain’t you come a long way)Ain’t you come a long way downThis old roadLooking at a looking glassRunning out of timeOn a face you used to knowTraces of a future lostIn between the linesOne more rainbow for the roadThinking of the faces in the windowsThat you passed along the wayOr the last thing you believed inAin’t you come long way (Ain’t you come a long way)Ain’t you come a long way downThis old roadSay you tried to chase the sun downAnd you let it slip awayAnd the holy night is fallingAin’t you come long way (Ain’t you come a long way)Ain’t you come a long way downThis old roadLook at that old photographIs it really you?