Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Far Away” by José González
“Far Away” by José González is a melancholic and introspective musical reflection upon life – of both loneliness and connection. It paints a vivid yet simple picture of two people who travel “far away” from one another, and their contrasting journeys.
The lyrics of the song capture the longing and sense of disconnection of leaving someone behind, while the gentle folk-style of the song reflects the sorrowful sentiment of separation. The repeated lyrical line of “I’m so far away” creates the atmosphere of loneliness that often accompanies physical separation between people, yet there is still a sense of hope in the song too. The lyrics still promise that the two will meet again in the future in an unspecified place, giving the song a dreamlike quality.
The overall mood is one of acceptance of a situation beyond the speaker’s control. In one line, González sings “It’s over now”, and yet the thought is not one of sadness but rather of understanding. The drums and finger-picking styles of the guitar build in intensity to support the feeling of a journey, one which stems from personal growth and understanding despite ending with the knowledge that the people will no longer be together.
The beauty of this song lies not just in its simplicity but also in its ability to capture so much with such sparse words. Through the power of its gentle music and personal lyrics, González is able to create a reflective piece that speaks to a greater sense of distance which is sometimes an inherent part of life. Despite the feeling of separation, the song leaves the listener with the assurance that the emotional connection between two people can still remain strong even when they are physically far away.