Ryan Bingham’s “Southside Of Heaven” is a soul-stirring journey. It’s about a man grappling with life’s hardships and seeking solace in the afterlife. The song paints a vivid picture of someone who’s been through tough times, feeling lost and disconnected, particularly from family. It’s a song not about a specific person but embodies a universal struggle many can relate to. Bingham wrote this song to convey a sense of longing for peace and redemption, which he sees in the metaphorical ‘southside of heaven’.
The song is more than just lyrics; it’s a window into the soul of someone seeking redemption.
“Southside Of Heaven” Lyrics Meaning
The opening lines, “When I die, Lord, Oh, won’t You put my soul up on a train,” set the tone for this introspective journey. Bingham uses the train as a metaphor for his final journey, longing for a peaceful afterlife, away from life’s struggles. He requests a “cool blues man name,” symbolizing a new identity free from past burdens.
The next lines, “I’ve been lost on them back roads, And many times, I’ve gone blind,” speak to a life of wandering and confusion. Bingham’s reference to losing faith in his family intensifies this sense of being adrift and alone. It’s a poignant reflection of how personal trials can make one feel disconnected and lost.
The chorus, “But on the south side of heaven, Won’t You take me home,” is a powerful plea for salvation. It’s a metaphor for finding peace in an afterlife, away from the cold, harsh realities of the world. This refrain, repeated throughout the song, emphasizes the yearning for a final resting place where struggles cease.
Bingham also paints a picture of a rugged life in West Texas, describing a decade without rain, symbolizing a prolonged period of hardship and barrenness. The “wind blows everyday, Lord, Oh, like a desert snow,” depicts the relentless challenges he faces.
The song then shifts to a more hopeful tone with the lines, “Long down the Louisiana byways, Lonesome highways roll on.” This journey through the South symbolizes a move towards a place of comfort and familiarity, where the soul feels at home. Bingham’s emphasis on the breeze being “nothing but a change in pace” and that “money can’t buy my soul” underlines a realization that true peace comes from within, not material wealth.
The Story Behind “Southside Of Heaven”
Ryan Bingham’s “Southside Of Heaven” reflects his life experiences and emotional state during its creation. Raised in a family constantly on the move, Bingham’s upbringing was tumultuous, marked by isolation and disconnection. This sense of rootlessness and searching for belonging deeply influenced his songwriting.
The song is a product of Bingham’s introspection during a period of personal struggle. It’s about seeking redemption and peace in a life filled with hardships. Bingham channels his feelings of alienation into a narrative of a soul longing for a place where it can finally rest, free from the burdens of life. The recurring theme of traveling through desolate landscapes mirrors his own life journey, moving through different places, never quite settling down.
Bingham’s connection with the blues genre, evident in his request for a “cool blues man name,” is significant. It reflects his affinity with the blues’ themes of suffering and redemption, which resonate deeply with his personal experiences. The song’s raw emotional depth and authenticity stem from Bingham’s own encounters with life’s harsh realities, creating a powerful and relatable narrative for listeners.