Back Seat

The song is about taking a new direction in my career, especially now that kids are grown and on their own career paths. The song says, “I’m not willing to take a back seat, while my dreams pass me by.” The back seat is a metaphor for letting someone else shine for a while, in this case my kids. The song reflects the desire to shift gears and take control of the driver’s wheel once again to continue along my music journey. This song was written right after as significant birthday, and a bit of a hiatus when I had to really contemplate what was next for my career, or even if it would continue. It’s really almost an anthem for those empty nesters in my same shoes, encouraging them to continue to explore and expand upon aspirations that may have been put aside for a while.

Lyrics

Back Seat
Twenty years gone by
It went so fast I don’t know how
It’s time to watch you fly
The nest is empty now

Put off believing in me
While I watched my babies thrive
Such a beautiful site to see
But once again it’s my time to drive

I’m not willing to take a back seat
While my dreams pass me by
Though the ties of obligation
have kept me safe here for sometime

I find all the inspiration
That I haven’t seen for miles
Was giving me direction
From the back seat all the while

Though the journey may be different
Then I mapped out years ago
I know this new direction
Is where I need to go

While there’s no set destination
I know I’ve got so many miles
So I let my imagination
Ride shotgun for awhile

I’m not willing to take a back seat
While my dreams pass me by
Though the ties of obligation
have kept me safe here for sometime
I find all the inspiration
That I haven’t seen for miles
Was giving me direction
From the back seat all the while

I was gonna turn it all around
To go back and find my dreams
Thought I’d missed a lot of exits
But it isn’t what it seems

You see detour was the journey
And though I may have been delayed
There are many avenues ahead
And now I’m on my way

I’m not willing to take a back seat
While my dreams pass me by
Though the ties of obligation
Have kept me safe here for sometime

I find all the inspiration
That I haven’t seen for miles
Was giving me direction
From the back seat all the while
I was taking my direction
From the back seat all the while