Far From Me
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds · The Boatman's Call [1997]
For you, I was raised up
For you I've lived and for you I will die
For you I am dying now
You were my mad little lover
In a world where everybody fucks everybody else over
You who are so far from me,
so far from me
Way across some cold neurotic sea
Far from me
I would talk to you of all manner of things
With a smile you would reply
Then the sun would leave your pretty face
And you'd retreat from the front of your eyes
I keep hearing that you're doing your best
I hope your heart beats happy,
In your infant breast
You are so far from me,
far from me , far from me
There is no knowledge but I know it
There's nothing to learn from that vacant voice
That sails to me across the line
From ridiculous to sublime
It's good to hear you're doing so well dear
But really can't you find somebody else that you can ring and tell
Did you ever care for me ?
Were you ever there for me ?
So far from me
You told me you'd stick by me
Through the thick and through the thin
Those were your very words
My fair-weather friend
You were my brave-hearted lover
At the first taste of trouble went running back to mother
So far from me, far from me
Suspended in your bleak and fishless sea
Far from me, far from me
Far From Me
Far From Me stands as a defining moment on Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' 1997 album, The Boatman's Call. Marking a significant departure from the band's earlier gothic rock intensity, this recording embraces a softer, more introspective soundscape. The track exemplifies the album's shift toward melancholic balladry, characterized by sparse instrumentation and Cave's emotive vocal delivery. Released during a period of profound artistic evolution, the song reflects the band's willingness to explore vulnerability and quiet despair. It remains a staple in their discography, showcasing the group's ability to craft haunting, atmospheric music that resonates deeply with listeners. The recording captures the essence of late nineties alternative rock while maintaining the distinctive lyrical weight associated with Cave's songwriting.

