Gotta Get Away
Gordon Lightfoot · Salute [1983]
Places to go, people to chase
Gonna grab my comb 'n my toothpaste
Gotta get away from here
Twenty-one years from the day I was born
I was workin' on the night shift tootin' my horn
Through sheets of rain, through sleet and storm
You come to me
You were the girls with the summer sunshine
In your eyes and in your smile
You were the one I thought I thought loved me
It was somethin' I never could quite believe
Gotta get away from here
I'm a real bad loser that's what I am
Gonna grab my hat and my hexagram
You can stick my money in an old tin can
I think I fell in love again
I was down by the bus stop bidin' my time
I was hitchin' a ride with a friend of mine
Iwas almost gone, I was over the line
I said what's come over me
You were the girl with the sound of springtime
In your songs and in your voice
You were the one I thought loved me
It was somethin' I never could quite believe
Gotta get away from here
Gotta get back to you
I'm gonna make it today, I'm gonna get on my toes
Been awake so long I'm getting ready to doze
Gonna grab my bag and a few old clothes
Gotta get away from here
Gotta get back to you
Gotta get away, gotta get away
Gotta get away, gotta get away
Gotta get away
Gotta Get Away
Gordon Lightfoot's "Gotta Get Away" appears on his 1983 album Salute, marking a period where the Canadian icon continued to refine his signature folk-rock sound. Known for his intricate storytelling and acoustic guitar work, Lightfoot crafted a body of work that resonated deeply with listeners seeking narrative depth in popular music. This track fits within a discography that includes enduring classics like "Sundown" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," showcasing his consistent ability to blend personal reflection with broader social themes. While the early 1980s saw shifts in the musical landscape, Lightfoot maintained his distinctive style, delivering recordings that emphasized lyrical clarity and melodic warmth. The song stands as a testament to his enduring influence on the genre, offering a moment of introspection characteristic of his mature songwriting era.