Father To Son
Phil Collins Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴Somewhere down the road, you're gonna find a place
It seems so far, but it never is
You won't need to stay, but you might lose your strength
On the way

Sometimes you may feel you're the only one
Cause all the things you thought were safe, now they're gone
But you won't be alone, I'll be here to carry you along

Watching you 'til all your work is done

When you find your heart, you'd better run with it
Cause when she comes along, she could be breaking it
No there's nothing wrong, you're learning to be strong
Don't look back
She may soon be gone, no don't look back
She's not the only one, remember that

If your heart is beating fast, then you know she's right
If you don't know what to say, well, that's all right
You don't know what to do?
Remember she is just as scared as you

Don't be shy, even when it hurts to say
Remember, you're gonna get hurt someday, anyway
Then you must lift your head, keep it there
Remember what I said
I'll always be with you don't forget
Just look over your shoulder I'll be there.

If you look behind you, I will be there.

Overall Meaning

The song "Father To Son" by Phil Collins serves as an advice-giving dialogue between a father and his son. The song is discussing the lessons and guidance that the father wants to give to his son as he navigates through life. The first verse talks about a place that will eventually be reached by the son, which is portrayed to be far, but in reality, it’s still within reach. This verse represents the concept that no matter how far away something may seem, it can always be achieved with determination and perseverance.

The father also acknowledges that the son may feel deserted at times and may feel like he is the only one going through a situation. However, he reassures his son that he will always be there to help him through. He is willing to be the support system to get his son through any difficult circumstance. The chorus of the song is an advice for the son to keep moving forward, never looking back for the fear of missing out on what’s ahead. The father is trying to instill in his son that progress is essential and that growth can only be achieved by pushing forward.

The second verse serves as the father's advice to his son about love, relationships, and the fear that comes with them. The father encourages his son to be brave and to take risks in life. He advises the son to not be scared of getting hurt and to go out there and try his luck. The father reassures his son that even if he gets hurt, he will always be there for him to give him support and encouragement.

Overall, "Father To Son" is a song that depicts the endearing relationship between a father and his son. It portrays the love, guidance, and wisdom that the father imparts on his son as he navigates through life.

Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere down the road, you're gonna find a place
You will eventually find your place in the world.

It seems so far, but it never is
Although it may seem impossible, you will reach your destination.

You won't need to stay, but you might lose your strength on the way
You won't have to stay in one place, but the journey could take a toll on you.

Sometimes you may feel you're the only one
There will be times when you feel alone in your struggles.

Cause all the things you thought were safe, now they're gone
Things you thought would always be there may disappear unexpectedly.

But you won't be alone, I'll be here to carry you along
You will always have someone to support you through the tough times.

Watching you 'til all your work is done
I will be here to support you until you achieve your goals.

When you find your heart, you'd better run with it
When you find what you truly love, pursue it with all your heart.

Cause when she comes along, she could be breaking it
Be careful who you give your heart to, as they may hurt you.

No there's nothing wrong, you're learning to be strong
Don't be discouraged, tough experiences will make you stronger.

Don't look back
Don't dwell too much on the past.

She may soon be gone, no don't look back
If someone you love is leaving, don't hold onto them too tightly.

She's not the only one, remember that
There are other people in your life who care about you besides that one person.

If your heart is beating fast, then you know she's right
You will know when you have found the right person based on your own feelings.

If you don't know what to say, well, that's all right
It's okay to not always know the right thing to say.

You don't know what to do?
If you are unsure what decision to make,

Remember she is just as scared as you
Remember that the other person may also be feeling scared or uncertain.

Don't be shy, even when it hurts to say
Speak up, even if it's difficult or uncomfortable.

Remember, you're gonna get hurt someday, anyway
It's inevitable that you will experience pain at some point.

Then you must lift your head, keep it there
Keep your head held high, even during tough times.

Remember what I said
Remember my advice and support.

I'll always be with you don't forget
You will always have someone there for you.

Just look over your shoulder I'll be there.
If you ever need support, just look behind you and I will be there for you.

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Phil Collins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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