i can't believe there is no comment for this track.
i can not say enough about the merits of these lyrics. the kinetics involved are as astoundingly beautiful as they are steeped in research and literature. one of John Milton's assertions was that there is no such thing as a perfect state for any duration of time, the process of freedom is one that must involve constant change in order to be successful (hence why monarchy does not work). It seems Zevon subscribed to this credo, as this song is about perpetually moving, finding onesself, and the irritation involved in remaining static for too long, as evidenced by the changeless Houston sky. There is a kind of static electricity inherent in those clouds, lighting a fire under Zevon and Jim's respective asses, making them drive on. Milton's call to arms in this song and the end result of getting the hell out of Texas is a reflection of that, as is the fantasy that angels will carry them away to a new location, keeping the changes coming.
His reference to the Romantic heroes is not random, as they too must have shared these philosophies, not to mention the fact that Zevon's poetry relies heavily on their influences.
Charlton Heston, as a representation of religion, is static (the ultimate evil) while even Jesus has that dusty trail mentality. I wonder if WZ was trying to assert that religion has been mutated into something more sinister in the modern age, and this song is less about physically moving than about his own struggle with spirituality, his moving on while retaining Christ. but that's just one overanalyzation.
ps. check out Springstein's cover of this song. i am not one of Bruce's biggest fans, but man did he have an accurate reading of this tune.
i can't believe there is no comment for this track.
i can not say enough about the merits of these lyrics. the kinetics involved are as astoundingly beautiful as they are steeped in research and literature. one of John Milton's assertions was that there is no such thing as a perfect state for any duration of time, the process of freedom is one that must involve constant change in order to be successful (hence why monarchy does not work). It seems Zevon subscribed to this credo, as this song is about perpetually moving, finding onesself, and the irritation involved in remaining static for too long, as evidenced by the changeless Houston sky. There is a kind of static electricity inherent in those clouds, lighting a fire under Zevon and Jim's respective asses, making them drive on. Milton's call to arms in this song and the end result of getting the hell out of Texas is a reflection of that, as is the fantasy that angels will carry them away to a new location, keeping the changes coming.
His reference to the Romantic heroes is not random, as they too must have shared these philosophies, not to mention the fact that Zevon's poetry relies heavily on their influences.
Charlton Heston, as a representation of religion, is static (the ultimate evil) while even Jesus has that dusty trail mentality. I wonder if WZ was trying to assert that religion has been mutated into something more sinister in the modern age, and this song is less about physically moving than about his own struggle with spirituality, his moving on while retaining Christ. but that's just one overanalyzation.
ps. check out Springstein's cover of this song. i am not one of Bruce's biggest fans, but man did he have an accurate reading of this tune.
@scumbagstyle his version is fantastic
@scumbagstyle his version is fantastic