Inspiration Behind Against the Wind:
Bob Seger was a member of his high school cross country and track team. As Seger reflects upon days when he was literary running against the wind, he reflects upon past experiences in life. The lyrics of the Against the Wind chorus are a metaphor for the challenges, obstacles and struggles that human beings endure throughout life. The theme of resilience is highlighted by the montage of Against the Wind in the iconic film Forrest Gump.
Biblical Application:
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.34 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.35 You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great. 36 You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way, Psalm 18:33-36.
Exegesis Against the Wind:
Seems like yesterday
But it was long ago
Janey was lovely, she was the queen of my nights
There in the darkness with the radio playin’ low
Bob Seger is having a flashback to his days in high school. Janey is likely Bob’s high school sweetheart. Spending time together listening to music.
And the secrets that we shared
Mountains that we moved
Caught like a wildfire out of control
‘Til there was nothin’ left to burn and nothin’ left to prove
Bob reflects upon meaningful conversations where he was vulnerable. These special moments removed barriers that separated him from Janey and or other friends. The wildfire analogy appears to refer to a relationship built on honesty where nothing was withheld.
And I remember what she said to me
How she swore that it never would end
I remember how she held me, oh, so tight
Wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then
Bob developed a special bond with Janey as he relives fond memories from his past.
Against the wind
We were runnin’ against the wind
We were young and strong
We were runnin’ against the wind
The wind slows down your momentum when it’s in your face. Yet, when you are young, you don’t know any better, clinging to a relationship.
And the years rolled slowly past
And I found myself alone
Surrounded by strangers I thought were my friends
Found myself further and further from my home
This stanza suggests that Bob’s relationship with Jany ended. This loneliness was not healed by people that Bob thought were his friends. Bob left home, moving away to start a new life.
And I guess I lost my way
There were, oh, so many roads
I was livin’ to run and runnin’ to live
Never worried about payin’, or even how much I owed
Failed relationships have a lasting impact on human beings. While Bob lost his way momentary, this pain resulted in going into debt.
Movin’ eight miles a minute for months at a time
Breakin’ all of the rules that would bend
Began to find myself searchin’
Searchin’ for shelter again and again
Running an 8-minute mile is a slow pace where your mind tends to wander. This portion of Bob’s life went off the rails as he began to challenge authority. Bob was looking for shelter, a safe place to recover.
Against the wind
Little somethin’ against the wind
I found myself seekin’ shelter against the wind
Storms usually bring high winds. Bob wanted his current trial to end.
Well, those drifter’s days are past me now
I’ve got so much more to think about
Deadlines and commitments
What to leave in, what to leave out
Bob is full of thoughts as he reflects upon his past. There is too much to say, struggling to figure out what is essential and what can be left out.
Against the wind
I’m still runnin’ against the wind
I’m older now, but still runnin’ against the wind
While Bob is now older and wiser, he is still facing difficult issues in life.
Well, I’m older now and still runnin’ against the wind
Against the wind, against the wind
Still runnin’ (against the wind)
I’m still runnin’ against the wind (against the wind)
I’m still runnin’ (against the wind)
I’m still runnin’ against the wind (against the wind)
Still runnin’ (against the wind)
Runnin’ against the wind, runnin’ against the wind (against the wind)
This extended chorus points to the fact that trials never stop like trade winds which never cease.
See the young man run (against the wind)
Watch the young man run (against the wind)
Watch the young man runnin’ (against the wind)
He’ll be runnin’ against the wind (against the wind)
Let the cowboys ride (against the wind)
Ooh (against the wind)
Let the cowboys ride (against the wind)
They’ll be ridin’ against the wind (against the wind)
Bob sees himself back in high school and now as an adult running against the winds of life. This song concludes with an image of the fronter with cowboys riding as the wind blows around them.
Final Thoughts:
As a former runner, I am reminded of David’s prayer as a shepherd. Herding his sheep upon all kinds of terrains, David trusted God with every aspect of his life, including not twisting or turning his ankle. Following reconstruction surgery on my left ankle, I made David’s words into a prayer each time I went running. Although life is full of hidden holes, potholes and ruts, God can protect you when you go running against the wind.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 