The lyrics describe a sense of longing and desire for someone, expressed through observations of the world around the singer. The hills hold secrets, the town is chaotic, and the stars seem to mock the singer's loneliness, as everything feels filtered through their desire for this person.

Meaning of "All The Ways I Want You" by Bruce Cockburn

The lyrics of "All The Ways I Want You" by Bruce Cockburn delve into the deep emotions of longing and desire. The singer vividly describes the world around them, filled with secrets, chaos, and loneliness, all seen through the lens of their intense longing for someone. The mention of the owls watching at night and the drunks picking fights in town paints a picture of a world full of distractions and troubles, but the singer's focus remains solely on their desire for this person. The imagery of the freight train moaning in the distance and the feeling of being unable to reach the one they long for adds to the sense of yearning and frustration. The falling star symbolizes the transient nature of life and love, highlighting the singer's sense of isolation and longing for connection. Ultimately, the lyrics convey a profound sense of longing and the way it colors the singer's perception of the world around them.