Meaning of "Where Will I Be" by Emmylou Harris

The lyrics of "Where Will I Be" by Emmylou Harris delve into themes of longing, searching, and the inevitable march of time. The desolate imagery of cracked streets and shattered glass, along with the reference to a baby with "motherless eyes," portrays a world in disrepair. This brokenness serves as a metaphor for the poet's own emotional state.

The repeated question "Oh where will I be?" suggests a search for one's place in the world and a longing for purpose or direction. It speaks to a universal human desire to understand one's path and destination in life. The mention of the trumpet signifies a sense of impending judgment or reckoning, adding a spiritual dimension to the lyrics.

The encounter with the Indian boy in Ottawa provides a temporary reprieve from the bleakness of the world. The passionate love depicted in the lyrics represents a momentary escape from the poet's existential questions and serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human connection. The mention of not wasting one's breath, heart, or energy suggests the importance of living fully and seizing the opportunities and experiences that come along.

The line about the heat of the boy's body and the wish for his wild spirit to lead the narrator to their destination implies a desire for adventure and freedom. It captures a yearning for a life filled with passion and purpose rather than being confined by societal expectations and limitations.

The references to walking to the river, the rim, and through the teeth of the reaper's grin symbolize the journey through life and the inevitability of death. The metaphor of being "rolled up in wire" suggests being entangled or constrained by societal norms and expectations.

Overall, "Where Will I Be" explores the human condition, particularly the longing for meaning and connection in a broken world. It highlights the importance of living fully and authentically, embracing both the joys and uncertainties of life, and finding one's own unique path.