“Any Road” acted as George Harrison’s final single, released posthumously in 2002. In many ways, this song acts as an eulogy for Harrison’s storied life. It’s chock full of helpful advice all of us could take to heart. Uncover the meaning behind “Any Road,” below.
Videos by American Songwriter
Behind the Meaning of George Harrison’s Final Single, “Any Road”
For I’ve been travellin’ on a boat and a plane
In a car, on a bike, with a bus and a train
Travellin’ there, travellin’ here
Everywhere in every gear
From his time with the Beatles to his solo career, Harrison certainly saw a lot of the world. Though any musician could sing this song with a degree of truthfulness, because it was Harrison’s final song, it reads like him relaying a hard won truth. It’s sage wisdom from a beloved rock icon.
But, oh Lord, we pay the price
With the spin of a wheel, with the roll of the dice
Ah yeah, you pay your fare
And if you don’t know where you’re goin’
Any road will take you there
Each verse has its own morsel of advice. After singing about endlessly traveling, he points to a lack of direction he felt he had. If you don’t know where you’re goin’ / Any road will take you there, he sings.
And I’ve been travellin’ through the dirt and the grime
From the past to the future, through the space and the time
Travellin’ deep beneath the waves
In watery grottoes and mountainous caves
But, oh Lord, we’ve got to fight
With the thoughts in the head, with the dark and the light
No use to stop and stare
And if you don’t know where you’re goin’
Any road will take you there
The lines above are endlessly applicable. In our view, it seems Harrison is looking for a solution to his lack of direction. He seems to say, “No matter where you are in your life, it’s pertinent to keep moving forward.” It’s poignant advice that many of us could use from time to time.
Revisit one of Harrison’s final tracks, below.
You may not know where you came from
May not know who you are
May not have even wondered
How you got this far
(Photo by Birmingham Post and Mail Archive/Birmingham Post and Mail Archive/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.