Meaning of "A Long Way" by Josh Garrels

The lyrics in "A Long Way" by Josh Garrels convey a deeply personal and introspective message about the passage of time, the importance of familial bonds, and the desire for forgiveness and closure. The opening lines evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection, as the narrator acknowledges that there comes a time in everyone's life when they must return to their roots and make sacrifices. The mention of wild grass growing high on the path between their lives suggests a sense of distance and the need to bridge the gap that has formed over time.

The imagery of a light in the trees, growing closer as the narrator humbly kneels, reflects a longing for spiritual guidance and forgiveness. The repeated plea to the Father for forgiveness emphasizes the narrator's recognition of their own shortcomings and a desire for reconciliation. It portrays a sense of humility and vulnerability, as they seek to make amends and find solace in their father's presence.

The second verse introduces the figure of the father, whose hands work the ground and pass down his heritage like a sacred song. This imagery symbolizes the father's role as a nurturer and provider, as well as the importance of the values and wisdom he imparts to his children. The use of the phrase "beyond the quick and the dead" suggests that the impact of the father's actions and teachings transcends time and extends to future generations.

The chorus, where the narrator expresses having come a long way back home to see their father one more time, conveys a sense of urgency and the recognition of the finite nature of life. The repetition of the line "to hold you and say goodbye" highlights the narrator's desire for closure and the opportunity to express their final words of love and gratitude.

Overall, "A Long Way" encapsulates themes of reflection, forgiveness, and the bittersweet nature of familial relationships. It underscores the importance of acknowledging our roots and the need for reconciliation while recognizing the inevitable passage of time.