Meaning of Look Away by Big Country

The Haunting Melody of "Look Away" by Big Country: Unraveling the Mystery

As I stumbled upon the song "Look Away" by Big Country, I was immediately struck by its haunting melody and poignant lyrics. The more I listened to it, the more I became consumed by the sense of longing and desperation that permeated every note. In this article, I’ll delve into the meaning behind the song, exploring the themes of secrecy, escape, and the emotional toll of a life on the run.

A Life on the Run

The lyrics of "Look Away" paint a picture of a person living a life filled with secrecy and deception. The opening lines, "This time we run, This time we hide," set the tone for a song that is both urgent and desperate. The repetition of "hide" suggests a sense of constant danger, as if the protagonist is always one step ahead of their pursuers. The urgency is palpable, with the lyrics urging the listener to tap into their inner strength and use it to overcome the challenges they face.

A Desire to Escape

The song is not just about running and hiding, but also about the desire to escape from something or someone. The lines "Our name is out, Our name is known, Our name is everywhere but who knows where we’re flown," suggest a sense of paranoia and a constant need for secrecy. The image of being "flown" away implies a desire to leave one’s problems behind, to escape the consequences of one’s actions. This theme of escape is echoed throughout the song, with the chorus repeating the phrase "Look away, look away, Hide your eyes from the land where I lie cold." The repetition emphasizes the need for others to avert their gaze, to ignore the protagonist’s existence and the truth about them.

A Past that Haunts

The lyrics also allude to a past relationship, where the protagonist met someone in a difficult situation, possibly facing imprisonment. The song suggests that they broke free and pursued a life of crime, only to find that their reunion was not as fulfilling as expected. The lines "We found a way to raise some banks and trains," imply a life of rebellion and defiance, but also a sense of desperation and unease. The repeated mention of "hiding" and "looking away" suggests that the relationship was built on secrets and deception, and that the protagonist is now struggling to come to terms with their past.

The Emotional Toll

The song is not just about escape and rebellion, but also about the emotional toll of a life on the run. The lines "Making friends, but knowing we’d never find the sun" suggest a sense of sadness and loss, as the protagonist recognizes that their lifestyle is unsustainable and lacks a future. The mention of "making friends" implies a desire for connection and companionship, but the recognition that it’s impossible in their current circumstances is heartbreaking. The song’s emotional intensity is palpable, with the protagonist’s longing and desperation hanging in the air like a thick fog.

Personal Reflections

As I listened to "Look Away" for the first time, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of empathy for the protagonist. The song’s themes of secrecy and escape resonated deeply, as I reflected on my own experiences with anxiety and depression. The protagonist’s desperation to escape the consequences of their actions reminded me of my own struggles to break free from the cycle of negative thoughts and emotions. The song’s message of perseverance and inner strength was a powerful reminder that we are all capable of overcoming our own challenges and finding a sense of peace and tranquility.

Conclusion

"Look Away" by Big Country is a haunting and poignant song that captures the themes of secrecy, escape, and the emotional toll of a life on the run. Through its powerful lyrics and haunting melody, the song has become a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners to this day. As I reflect on the song’s meaning, I am reminded of the power of music to capture and convey the human experience in all its complexity and intensity. "Look Away" is a testament to the enduring power of art to touch our hearts and minds, and to provide a sense of comfort and solace in times of need.

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