“Wherever I Go”
Refrain:
I know I could lie, but I’m telling the truth
Wherever I go there’s a shadow of you
I know I could try looking for something new
But wherever I go, I’ll be looking for you
Some people lie, but they’re looking for magic
Others are quietly going insane
I feel alive when I’m close to the madness
No easy love could ever make me feel the same
I know I could lie, but I won’t lie to you
Wherever I go, you’re the ghost in the room
I don’t even try looking for something new
Cause wherever I go, I’ll be looking for you
Some people try, but they can’t find the magic
Others get down on their knees and they pray
I come alive when I’m close to the madness
No easy love could ever make me feel the same
Make me feel the same
Make me feel the same, same, same
(Repeat refrain.)
Wherever I go, I’ll be looking for you, you
Some people pray to their God for some magic
Cause no easy love could ever make them feel the same
No easy love could ever make me feel the same
Make me feel the same, same, same
(Repeat refrain.)
You think it’s a lie, but I’m telling the truth
Wherever I go, I’ll be looking for you
Wherever I go, I’ll be looking for you
Looking for you, looking for you
Sung by OneRepublic
Copyright 2016, Mosley, Interscope
Charlie Martin”On the Record”
“Wherever I Go” is OneRepublic’s latest single, released off their forthcoming, fourth studio album. OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder describes the song as an “appetizer” for their new album, their latest attempt to keep their music evolving artistically but still keep the “humanity in the instruments.”
Perhaps the band was able to keep to this goal with the music, but the song’s character seems to be struggling with his humanity. He is lost in obsession over an ended romance. He knows that he should open himself to meeting others.
Still, he hesitates, for “wherever I go, I’ll be looking for you,” referring to his past romantic partner. He believes that “no easy love could ever make me feel the same.”
Although the character states he could look “for something new,” this is an option that he needs to avoid, given his current emotional state. Rather than see another for who she is, he would likely try to duplicate his previous romantic experience. Because of this remaining obsession, he may be disillusioned about any new relationship and end up hurting his new love interest.
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His obsession is a problem in itself, but behind this behavior lies what he really needs to face — his grief. He is mourning what has been lost. There are no shortcuts around genuine hurt and sadness, but there are better ways to manage these feelings than falling into obsession.
The first thing needed is for him to accept the whole truth of his feelings. Often, feelings of grief are complex and involve many types of emotions. He may be facing regret for his part in the separation. Because he needs support in processing these complex feelings, he should seek out a professional who can help him get beyond the obsession, process the grief and heal his life.
If he takes this approach, in time he will discover that the obsession will fade as he no longer needs to distract himself from the deeper hurt.
The song highlights why it is so important to go slowly in relationships. When you meet someone new, most times you know little about the person’s history. Thus, you need time. Observe how the other person reacts to various situations and keep a careful check on your own feelings about what you are learning in this new relationship.
Almost all of us go through difficult episodes in life. The goal in finding the right person with whom to form a new relationship is not to discover someone who has not encountered hurt and disappointment. Rather, you need to know how the individual has lived through such problems.
What has he or she learned about himself or herself and about relationships? Has the person turned mistakes into lessons about how to live and love more effectively? When you take the time to let this type of information unfold, you can see more clearly if the person that you are attracted to is someone with whom you want more than just a beginning relationship.
The song’s character suggests that some people pray to receive “magic” from God, presumably to get past experiencing pain. I doubt if magic is what is needed. God is always on our side and wants us to heal from life’s hurts.
Instead of seeking magic when facing any hurt or loss, ask God to guide you to the people and situations that can heal the grief that burdens your soul. Such prayers are always answered, and surprising ways of healing will surface to help you.
Eventually, what you can discover is that indeed, “wherever I go,” the grace and guidance of God is with you. Instead of obsession or distraction in times of grief, seek healing. Trust that God will help you find more of life’s goodness.
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Your comments are always welcome. Please write to me at: chmartin@hughes.net, or at: 7125 West CR, 200 South, Rockport, IN 47635, or like this column on Facebook at “Charlie Martin’s Today’s Music Columns” and post a comment or suggestion.
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