Midpoint Nowhere Song – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards

Inspired by Road to Nowhere by The Talking Heads. Re-imagined in what I think it might sound like done as a folk or Beat poet song.

(Verse 1)

Well, I woke up this mornin’, feelin’ lost and alone,

Headin’ down that highway, ain’t got no place to call home.

Got the Talking Heads playin’ in my mind,

“We’re on the road to nowhere,” their words unwind.

(Chorus)

I said, “We’re on the road to nowhere, baby,

Lost in the blues, ain’t that the truth, maybe?

Guitar strings weepin’, soulful cries,

On this lonesome journey, where the highway lies.”

(Verse 2)

Met a stranger on the crossroads, guitar in his hand,

Said, “Son, life’s a gamble, play it while you can.”

The rhythm of the city, the beat of the street,

Echoes in my heart, like a distant, lonely heartbeat.

(Chorus)

We’re on the road to nowhere, my friend,

Bottleneck slide, where the highway bends.

Neon lights flicker, shadows dance,

In this bluesy trance, take a chance.

(Bridge)

Gotta keep on movin’, ain’t no lookin’ back,

Sunset horizon, paintin’ skies so black.

The road is callin’, whispers in the wind,

Ain’t no destination, just the places we’ve been.

(Verse 3)

Slide guitar wailin’, like a mournful cry,

Underneath the moonlight, where the spirits sigh.

Concrete jungle, city lights so bright,

But in my soul, it’s the blues takin’ flight.

(Chorus)

We’re on the road to nowhere, my kin,

Through the delta dust, where the blues begin.

Harmonica hummin’, tales untold,

In this winding journey, let the story unfold.

(Outro)

So I’ll keep on rollin’, down this endless track,

In the heart of the blues, there’s no turnin’ back.

“We’re on the road to nowhere,” but it’s where I belong,

In the soulful embrace of a bluesy song.

Artist Statement:

The “Midpoint Nowhere Song” takes listeners on a captivating journey through the heart of the blues, weaving tales of longing, wanderlust, and the search for belonging. Through its poignant lyrics and soul-stirring melodies, the song encapsulates the essence of the blues tradition while offering a fresh perspective on the timeless theme of life’s transient nature.

Melody and Harmony:

The song “Midpoint Nowhere Song” draws inspiration from The Talking Heads’ “Road to Nowhere” while infusing elements of folk and Beat poetry. The melody follows a bluesy folk pattern, characterized by a repetitive structure and expressive vocal delivery. The chord progression likely features common blues chords, such as I, IV, and V, contributing to the melancholic yet driving atmosphere of the song. The use of guitar, harmonica, and possibly other acoustic instruments adds depth to the arrangement, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.

The opening verse sets the tone with vivid imagery of a solitary traveler waking up to the uncertainty of the road ahead. Echoes of the Talking Heads’ classic “Road to Nowhere” serve as a poignant backdrop, emphasizing the universal sense of displacement and aimlessness experienced by many. The seamless transition into the chorus reinforces this sentiment, as the protagonist muses on the existential truth of being “lost in the blues.”

Lyrics and Theme:

The lyrics of “Midpoint Nowhere Song” evoke themes of existential longing, wanderlust, and the search for meaning amidst a transient existence. The imagery paints a vivid picture of a journey along an uncertain path, where the protagonist grapples with feelings of displacement and isolation. The repeated refrain, “We’re on the road to nowhere,” serves as a poignant reminder of the aimless nature of human existence, underscored by the blues-infused instrumentation and emotive vocal delivery.

Rhythm and Meter:

The rhythmic structure of the song likely adheres to a standard folk or blues pattern, characterized by a steady pulse and syncopated accents. The verses may feature a loose, conversational rhythm reminiscent of spoken word poetry, while the chorus provides a more emphatic, anthemic contrast. The tempo is moderate, allowing the lyrics to be delivered with clarity and emotional resonance, while still maintaining a sense of forward momentum.

Instrumentation and Arrangement:

The instrumentation of “Midpoint Nowhere Song” reflects the folk and blues influences of the composition. Acoustic guitar serves as the primary accompaniment, providing a foundation for the vocal melody and adding rhythmic texture to the arrangement. The addition of slide guitar and harmonica adds depth and authenticity to the blues aesthetic, enhancing the emotional impact of the song. The arrangement is relatively sparse, allowing the focus to remain on the lyrical content and vocal performance.