Inspiration Behind Miles Away:
Paul Taylor wrote Miles Away, intending that Eric Martin of Mr. Big would agree to sing this. After declining this offer, Taylor gave Miles Away to Winger who released this on their In the Heart of the Young album. Taylor wrote Miles Away for his girlfriend Emi Canyn who was a member of Motley Crew at the time. The lyrics of Miles Away touches on the emotional anguish that occurs during a long-distance relationship.
Biblical Application:
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[b] Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 6:20-23.
Exegesis of Miles Away:
(Verse 1)
So this is love, or so you tell me
As you’re walkin’, out the door
Months go by, and I know for certain
It’s not the love, I’m lookin’ for
Two rock stars and different schedules traveling on different tours is extremely hard to handle. These are the emotions that Paul in experiencing in his long distance relationship with Emi.
(Pre Chorus)
Some times, just for a moment
I reach out; hope you’re still there
Perhaps referring to a time of day that they tried to call each other.
(Chorus)
Miles away
No; you’re never turnin’ back
I just can’t wait anymore
Miles away
Nothin’ left of what we had
Just when I needed you most…
You were miles away…
When Paul was experiencing a rough time on tour, he needed someone to be there for him, but Emi was miles away.
(Verse 2)
It’s hard to tell, what you’re goin’ through
You kept your feelings locked inside of you
Open your heart, and chances are
What you’re feelin’, I’m feelin’ too
The frustrations of a long-distance relationship.
(Pre Chorus)
If only, just for a moment
Hold on, to the dreams that we had
A flashback of their relationship prior to being separated.
(Chorus)
Miles away
No; you’re never turnin’ back
I just can’t wait anymore
Miles away
Nothin’ left of what we had
Just when I needed you most
You were miles away
Time apart has slowly eroded the special connection that they once shared.
(Verse 3)
When times were tough, and you were down and out
Who was there by your side?
Now you’ve gone; I’m so tired of bein’ alone..
With only your promises…
This separation has gotten to Paul, losing hope that their relationship will ever be the same.
(Bridge)
Lonliness just fades away
Thoughts of you; just memories
No cryin’ now, for what we’re missin’
Time won’t forget what you meant to me Hold me, just for a moment
Hold on, to the dreams that we had
A glimmer of hope, a glimpse of what once was, fond memories of their beginning.
(Chorus)
Miles away
No; you’re never turnin’ back
I just can’t wait anymore
Miles away
Nothin’ left of what we had
Just when I needed you most, whoa-oh
Miles away
No; you’re never turnin’ back
I just can’t wait anymore
Miles away
Nothin’ left of what we had
Just when I needed you most.
(Outro)
You were mi-les a-way…
If there was a set time to reunite, hope could be salvaged. Yet 2 musicians on 2 different schedules doesn’t seem like it would ever work. This sentiment spawned the chorus, miles away. This is the sad reality of their relationship.
Final Thoughts:
I wrote this blog while being away from my wife Leanne for 8 weeks due to training for a new management position. Although I have been home for a few days, waiting for my next stretch of training, it still sucks to be separated by distance. Yet, we will be reunited in June so there are only a few weeks left until I’ll be back in Virginia for good. When Leanne and I first dated, we lived 8 hours away so I understand the message of Winger’s Miles Away.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 