About the song
In the realm of country music, few names resonate as deeply as Kris Kristofferson. With his distinctive baritone voice and poignant lyrics, he has captivated audiences for generations. “This Old Road”, a standout track from his 2006 album of the same name, is a testament to Kristofferson’s ability to craft songs that are both personal and universal.
The title track itself, “This Old Road”, is a metaphor for the journey of life. As we travel along this winding path, we encounter countless twists and turns, highs and lows. Kristofferson’s evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of this journey, filled with nostalgia, reflection, and a sense of hard-earned wisdom. The song is a comforting companion for those who have walked a long road and are looking back on their lives with both gratitude and a touch of melancholy.
One of the most striking aspects of “This Old Road” is its simplicity. With just Kristofferson’s soulful vocals and a sparse arrangement of acoustic guitar and harmonica, the song allows his lyrics to take center stage. This stripped-down approach creates an intimate and authentic listening experience, as if Kristofferson is sitting right beside you, sharing his thoughts and feelings.
The album as a whole, “This Old Road”, is a retrospective and reflective look at what Kristofferson deems to have been important elements of his life. It’s a collection of songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable, exploring themes such as love, loss, faith, and the passage of time.
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Lyrics
Look at that old photograph Is it really you Smiling like a baby full of dreams Smiling ain’t so easy now Some are coming true Nothing’s simple as it seems But I guess you count your blessings with the problems That you’re dealing with today Like the changing of the seasons [Chorus:] Ain’t you come a long way Ain’t you come a long way Ain’t you come a long way down This old road Looking at a looking glass Running out of time On a face you used to know Traces of a future lost In between the lines One more rainbow for the road Thinking of the faces in the window That you passed along the way Or the last thing you believed in [Chorus] Say you tried to chase the sundown And you let it slip away And the holy night is falling [Chorus] Look at that old photograph Is it really you?