About the song
“This Old Road” by Kris Kristofferson is a reflective and introspective song that delves into themes of self-awareness, mortality, and the passage of time. Serving as the title track of his 2006 album, the song captures Kristofferson’s contemplative style, blending a straightforward lyrical approach with deep philosophical undertones.
The lyrics of “This Old Road” paint a picture of a journey through life, using the metaphor of a well-traveled road to represent the accumulation of experiences, choices, and lessons learned over the years. Kristofferson reflects on his past, acknowledging the mistakes and regrets that have marked his path, but also embracing the wisdom and perspective that come with age. The repeated phrase “This old road” serves as a reminder of the inevitability of life’s journey and the inevitability of confronting one’s own mortality.
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Musically, the song features a simple, stripped-down arrangement dominated by acoustic guitar, which allows Kristofferson’s gravelly, weathered voice to take center stage. The understated instrumentation complements the reflective nature of the lyrics, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels both personal and universal. The melody is gentle and unassuming, emphasizing the contemplative mood of the song.
In the chorus, Kristofferson sings, “Ain’t no stepping stones / Just the memories of the fools I’ve known / And all the miles and the moments I’ve left behind.” These lines convey a sense of acceptance and humility, acknowledging the mistakes made along the way and the people who have come and gone from his life. There is a feeling of reconciliation with the past, as Kristofferson seems to find peace in the understanding that life is a series of choices, each contributing to the person he has become.
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“This Old Road” also touches on the theme of perseverance. Despite the wear and tear of time, the road continues, and so does the journey. Kristofferson’s lyrics suggest that life, with all its ups and downs, is something to be embraced rather than feared. The song’s message is one of resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself, even as the years pass by.
“This Old Road” is a poignant and introspective song that showcases Kris Kristofferson’s ability to capture the essence of the human experience through simple yet profound lyrics. Its reflective nature and humble acceptance of life’s journey resonate with listeners who have faced their own trials and triumphs, making it a timeless meditation on the passage of time, the lessons learned along the way, and the wisdom that comes with embracing one’s past.
Video
Lyrics
“This Old Road”
Is it really you
Smiling like a baby full of dreams
Smiling ain’t so easy now
Some are coming true
Nothing’s simple as it seems
But I guess you count your blessings with the problems
That you’re dealing with today
Like the changing of the seasons
[Chorus:]
Ain’t you come a long way
Ain’t you come a long way
Ain’t you come a long way down
This old road
Looking at a looking glass
Running out of time
On a face you used to know
Traces of a future lost
In between the lines
One more rainbow for the road
Thinking of the faces in the window
That you passed along the way
Or the last thing you believed in
[Chorus]
Say you tried to chase the sundown
And you let it slip away
And the holy night is falling
[Chorus]
Look at that old photograph
Is it really you?