Song While You’re Away Lyrics – Tyler Childers

[Verse 1: Tyler Childers] In the first verse, Childers sets the stage by describing himself playing a song for his beloved on his cousin's guitar in his nephew's room. This intimate setting highlights the personal nature of the song, suggesting that it is a heartfelt message intended for someone special. The simplicity of the scene underscores the raw emotion behind the lyrics.

[Verse 2: Tyler Childers] The second verse reveals that the person he is singing to has driven away with everything he needs, including his belongings and a symbolic tumbleweed he picked up in Flagstaff years ago. This imagery conveys a sense of loss and longing, emphasizing the deep connection he had with this person and the void left in their absence.

[Pre-Chorus: Tyler Childers] In the pre-chorus, Childers reflects on the significance of their relationship, noting how he clung to everything his partner had shown him with grace. This section highlights the impact the relationship had on him, suggesting that it was a source of inspiration and growth.

[Chorus: Tyler Childers] The chorus captures the essence of their relationship, depicting both of them as young and hungry, yearning for something meaningful to hold onto. The metaphor of being "flat-out starving for something worthwhile to lose" underscores their intense desire for a deep, lasting connection. This hunger for meaningful experiences and relationships forms the core of the song's emotional landscape.

[Verse 3: Tyler Childers] In the third verse, Childers looks back at the lights of his partner's hometown while writing the song, reminiscing about how they met. The verse paints a nostalgic picture of their first encounter, with Childers being a boy passing through town and his partner being a girl home from school. This nostalgic reflection adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the serendipitous nature of their meeting.

[Pre-Chorus: Tyler Childers] The second pre-chorus describes Childers' job as a cut man at a local house and his unfamiliarity with the town and its people. This section emphasizes his sense of being an outsider and the newness of the experiences he encountered through the relationship.

[Chorus: Tyler Childers] The repeated chorus reinforces the theme of hunger and longing, with Childers and his partner both searching for something meaningful to lose. The metaphor of bread and honey against dark red wine adds a layer of richness to their relationship, juxtaposing sweetness and bitterness, love and hardship.

[Bridge: Tyler Childers] The bridge shifts to a more hopeful tone, describing their wedding with agate white, turquoise rings, and the accompaniment of an upright bass and violin. This section symbolizes a moment of unity and commitment, offering a contrast to the song's overall theme of longing and separation.

[Chorus: Tyler Childers] The final chorus reiterates the central themes of the song, emphasizing their shared hunger for meaningful experiences and the challenge of holding onto the lovely moments amidst the bitterness of their times. The repetition of the chorus solidifies the emotional resonance of the song, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.