Meaning of "Nearly Lost You" by Screaming Trees

The song "Nearly Lost You" by Screaming Trees delves into themes of temptation, struggle, and the potential consequences of making poor choices. The distant cry and call back to sin mentioned in the lyrics symbolize the pull of past mistakes and the lingering desires that can haunt someone. The speaker reflects on how they were on the verge of losing themselves to these temptations, but they managed to resist and endure. This struggle has taken them to a different place, although the exact meaning of this place remains open to interpretation.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of blindness caused by the actions of someone dear to the speaker. The miles they traveled in their relationship burned and left the speaker blind to the truth or reality of the situation. The mention of a fallen rider suggests someone who has encountered a metaphorical downfall and now has no way to recover or turn back time. This represents the potential consequences that occur when one allows themselves to be consumed by temptation.

The repetition of the phrase "I nearly lost you there" emphasizes the gravity of the situation and reinforces the fear and relief that the speaker experienced. It is a reminder of how close they were to succumbing to their past mistakes. The concluding lines, "Well, let's try to sleep now" suggest a desire to leave these struggles behind and find solace in rest, as if sleep can provide a temporary escape from the haunting temptations.

Overall, "Nearly Lost You" explores the internal struggle with temptation and the potential consequences of giving in. It highlights the importance of resilience and the need to move forward to a different place. The lyrics convey emotions of fear, relief, and the constant battle against the past.