Dwight Yoakam – A Thousand Miles From Nowhere (1993)

About the song

Released in 1993, this track is a cornerstone of Yoakam’s highly acclaimed album, This Time. Written solely by Dwight Yoakam himself, the song perfectly encapsulates his signature blend of traditional country sensibilities with a contemporary edge. It’s a testament to his prowess not only as a performer but also as a songwriter, able to craft narratives that are both deeply personal and broadly relatable. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of solitude, of a soul adrift and contemplating life’s vastness, themes that resonate with anyone who has ever felt a sense of displacement or profound thought.

“A Thousand Miles From Nowhere” wasn’t just a critical success; it also performed admirably on the charts, further solidifying Yoakam’s standing as a formidable force in country music. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, a strong indication of its popularity and impact within the genre. While it didn’t cross over to the pop charts in the same way some other country hits of the era did, its significant performance on the country charts underscored its deep connection with its core audience. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its straightforward yet profound message, delivered with Yoakam’s characteristic vocal twang and the driving, Bakersfield-influenced musical arrangement that has become his hallmark.

For those of us who appreciate country music that possesses both grit and grace, “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere” remains a prime example of Yoakam’s artistry. It’s a song that invites you to reflect, to embrace the quiet moments, and perhaps, to find a sense of understanding in your own journey, wherever it may lead. So, let us once again immerse ourselves in the evocative soundscape created by Dwight Yoakam and his timeless classic, “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere.”

Video

Lyrics

I’m a thousand miles from nowhere
Time don’t matter to me
‘Cause I’m a thousand miles from nowhere
And there’s no place I want to be

I got heartaches in my pocket
I got echoes in my head
And all that I keep hearing
Are the cruel, cruel things that you said

I’m a thousand miles from nowhere
Time don’t matter to me
‘Cause I’m a thousand miles from nowhere
And there’s no place I want to be

Oh, I
Oh, I
Oh, I

Oh, I
Oh, I
Oh, I

I’ve got bruises on my memory
I’ve got tear stains on my hands
And in the mirror there’s a vision
Of what used to be a man

I’m a thousand miles from nowhere
Time don’t matter to me
‘Cause I’m a thousand miles from nowhere
And there’s no place I want to be

I’m a thousand miles from nowhere
Time don’t matter to me
‘Cause I’m a thousand miles from nowhere
And there’s no place I want to be

Oh, I

I’m a thousand miles from nowhere

I’m a thousand miles from nowhere

I’m a thousand
I’m a thousand