Caught up in a whirlwind, can't catch my breath
Knee deep in hot water, broke out in cold sweat
Can't catch a turtle, in this rat race
Feels like I'm losing, at a breakneck pace

Afraid of my own shadow, in the face of grace
Heart full of darkness, spotlight on my face
There was love all around me, but I was looking for revenge
Thank God it never found me, would have been the end

Walkin' the tight rope, steppin on my friends
Walkin' the tight rope, was a shame and a sin
Walkin' the tight rope, between wrong and right
Walkin' the tight rope, both day and night

Lookin' back in front of me, in the mirror's grin
Through eyes of love I see, I'm really lookin at a friend
We've had all our problems, that's the way life is
My heart goes out to others, who are there to make amends

(Walkin' the tightrope) Trying to make it right
Every day and every night
Bring it all around
From the lost to found
Stretched around the world
Save the boys and girls
Let's make it right
Do it, do it tonight
Walkin the tightrope


Lyrics submitted by asutbone

Tightrope Lyrics as written by Doyle Bramhall Stevie Ray Vaughan

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.

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Tightrope song meanings
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2 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    This song seems to be about SRV's struggle with himself in his fight against his drug habit. The first half up to the first chorus is really his struggle and the problems he was facing, the second half represents how he came to terms with himself. The album was called "In Step," in reference to the 12 Step programs he used to help himself move on.

    asutboneon March 31, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Exactly! No mystery in this song. Starts out referencing the paranioa and fear surrounding addiction. Then last verse arrives at the solution directly referencing Step 8 in AA about making amends. GREAT SONG!!

    MrNaturalon February 26, 2008   Link

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