Meaning of "Walk Away" by Ben Harper

"Walk Away" explores the complex emotions involved in letting go of someone we deeply care about. The opening lines set a somber tone, as the presence of the sun reminds the narrator of another day without their friend. Looking in the mirror, they confront their own pain and find it even more agonizing to be with someone else. This highlights the depth of their connection with the person they have parted ways with.

The chorus emphasizes the difficulty of the situation while acknowledging that sometimes, walking away is necessary. The repetition of the line "And it's so hard to do, and so easy to say" emphasizes the internal struggle faced by the narrator. They understand that simply saying they should walk away is easier than actually doing it. Love often complicates our decisions, making it challenging to prioritize our own well-being.

The second verse introduces the idea of having many other loved ones in their life, emphasizing that the worry about one person seems disproportionate. Despite this, the person they have left has brought immense happiness and joy into their life. This creates a tug of war within the narrator's emotions, as they question whether it is worth enduring the pain and misery of being apart or if they should walk away for their own sake.

The lyrics further explore the idea of setting someone free if you truly love them, but the narrator expresses a preferenceto be "locked" to their loved one rather than live in pain and misery. This challenges the notion that setting someone free is always the best course of action, highlighting the complexities of love and attachment.

The final verse adds a sense of urgency, as the passage of time only deepens the pain and reinforces the absence. The rising sun symbolizes the passing of time and the realization that their friend is nowhere to be found. This serves as a painful reminder that the decision to walk away was not an easy one, but one that had to be made for their own emotional well-being.

Overall, "Walk Away" delves into the internal conflict that arises when we must choose between clinging to what is familiar and prioritizing our own happiness. It explores the complexities of love, attachment, and the difficult decisions we face in relationships.