Roll Me Away
by Bob Seger
Summary
"Roll Me Away" is about seeking freedom and escape from life's disappointments. It captures the spirit of adventure and the desire to find one's way amidst confusion and longing.
Full Analysis
The overall theme of the song revolves around the quest for freedom and self-discovery. The protagonist feels trapped in his current situation and uses a motorcycle journey as a metaphor for breaking free. Along the way, he meets someone who shares his sense of disillusionment, and together they find temporary solace on the open road. But ultimately, the journey is also about making choices and facing the inevitable solitude that comes with seeking one's path.
Verse 1
Took a look down a westbound road
Right away I made my choice
Headed out to my big two-wheeler
I was tired of my own voice
In this opening verse, the singer sets the scene by looking down a road that symbolizes new opportunities. He makes a quick decision to ride his motorcycle, showing a desire to escape his own thoughts and feelings. The mention of being "tired of my own voice" suggests he's fed up with his own troubles and wants to silence them through action.
Chorus
*Roll, roll me away / Won't you roll me away tonight / I, too, am lost, I feel double-crossed / And I'm sick of what's wrong
Full Lyrics
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Right away I made my choice
Headed out to my big two-wheeler
I was tired of my own voice
Took a bead on the northern plains
And just rolled that power on
12 hours out of Mackinac City
Stopped in a bar to have a brew
Met a girl and we had a few drinks
And I told her what I'd decided to do
She looked out the window a long, long moment
Then she looked into my eyes
She didn't have to say a thing
I knew what she was thinkin'
Roll, roll me away
Won't you roll me away tonight
I, too, am lost, I feel double-crossed
And I'm sick of what's wrong and what's right
We never even said a word
We just walked out and got on that bike
And we rolled
And we rolled clean out of sight
We rolled across the high plains
Deep into the mountains
Felt so good to me
Finally, feelin' free
Somewhere along a high road
The air began to turn cold
She said she missed her home
I headed on alone, oh, oh
Stood alone on a mountain top
Starin' out at the Great Divide
I could go east, I could go west
It was all up to me to decide
Just then I saw a young hawk flyin'
And my soul began to rise
And pretty soon
My heart was singin'
Roll, roll me away
I'm gonna roll me away tonight
Gotta keep rollin', gotta keep ridin'
Keep searchin' 'til I find what's right
And as the sunset faded I spoke to the faintest first starlight
And I said next time
Next time
We'll get it right
Roll me away
Roll me away
Come on
Roll me away
Roll
