About the Song
Emerging from the vibrant folk music scene of the 1960s, The Seekers’ “Five Hundred Miles” stands as a timeless ballad of love, longing, and the enduring power of hope, captivating audiences worldwide with its simple yet evocative lyrics and hauntingly beautiful melody. The song’s enduring popularity stems from its ability to capture the universal human experience of separation, longing for connection, and the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of love.
Background and Inspiration
The song’s origins can be traced back to a traditional folk song, dating back to the 16th century. The lyrics, with their themes of love, separation, and the challenges of crossing wide waters, have resonated through the ages, inspiring numerous adaptations and interpretations. In 1961, Canadian folk singer Hedy West adapted the ballad, and her version gained popularity in folk circles.
In 1964, Australian songwriter Bruce Woodley adapted West’s song for The Seekers, an Australian vocal group, infusing it with a contemporary folk sensibility. Woodley’s adaptation simplified the lyrics and added a new verse, while retaining the song’s core message of love, longing, and perseverance. The Seekers released their rendition of “Five Hundred Miles” as a single in 1964, and it quickly became an international hit.
Musical Style and Arrangement
“Five Hundred Miles” exudes a melancholic folk charm, characterized by its harmonious blend of acoustic instruments and The Seekers’ signature vocal blend. The melody, based on the traditional folk tune, is simple yet evocative, perfectly complementing the song’s themes of love, longing, and the vastness of human emotions. The arrangement features a prominent acoustic guitar strumming pattern, providing a somber backdrop for the group’s heartfelt vocals.
Lyrical Analysis and Meaning
The lyrics of “Five Hundred Miles” paint a vivid picture of a love story marred by separation and longing. The opening lines, “Oh, five hundred miles,” immediately establish the geographical and emotional distance between the lovers. The verses that follow delve into the depths of their longing, expressing the pain of separation and the yearning for reunion.
The song’s chorus, with its repetitive refrain of “But I would swim over the water wide for to see my love,” serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and the lengths to which one would go to be reunited with their beloved. The lyrics emphasize the vastness of the water as a metaphor for the obstacles and challenges that love can face, yet they also convey the unwavering determination of the lover to overcome any barrier.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
“Five Hundred Miles” has become a beloved folk ballad, resonating with audiences worldwide for its timeless themes of love, loss, and the human spirit’s ability to endure. Its enduring popularity is evident in its numerous covers by artists across various genres, including Joan Baez, Cher, and Peter, Paul & Mary. The song has also been featured in films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
In conclusion, The Seekers’ “Five Hundred Miles” stands as a timeless ballad, capturing the universal human experiences of love, longing, and the determination to overcome adversity in the pursuit of connection. Its poignant lyrics, hauntingly beautiful melody, and heartfelt vocals have made it an enduring favorite, continuing to touch hearts and stir emotions across generations.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
If you miss the train I’m on, you will know that I am goneYou will hear the whistle blow a hundred milesA hundred miles, a hundred milesA hundred miles, a hundred milesYou will hear the whistle blow a hundred milesLord, I’m one, Lord, I’m twoLord, I’m three, Lord, I’m fourLord, I’m five hundred miles away from homeAway from home, away from homeAway from home, away from homeLord, I’m five hundred miles away from homeNot a shirt on my back, not a penny to my nameLord, I can’t go back home this a wayThis a way, this a wayThis a way, this a wayLord, I can’t go back home this a wayLord, I’m one (Lord, I’m one), Lord, I’m two (Lord I’m two)Lord, I’m three, Lord, I’m fourLord, I’m five hundred miles away from homeAway from home, away from homeAway from home, away from homeLord, I’m five hundred miles away from home