Meaning of "There's A Rugged Road" by Shawn Colvin

The song "There's A Rugged Road" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the journey of life. The rugged road represents the challenges, struggles, and uncertainties that we face in our lives, while the lonesome pioneer symbolizes the individual embarking on this journey alone. The lyrics emphasize the importance of perseverance, faith, and staying true to oneself despite the trials one may encounter. The references to night birds flying, the light fading, and hope dying create a sense of loneliness and despair, yet the determination to keep rolling on suggests resilience and a willingness to keep moving forward. The lyrics also touch on the idea of resisting worldly temptations and staying focused on one's path, even when others offer distractions or shortcuts. Ultimately, the song conveys a message of staying true to one's beliefs, remaining steadfast in the face of challenges, and finding beauty and purpose in the journey towards the unknown destination of "kingdom come."