About The Song
In the realm of country music, Alan Jackson stands as a true icon, a man whose voice and songwriting have captivated audiences for decades. Among his vast collection of hits, one particular song stands out as a timeless masterpiece, a poignant ballad that encapsulates the complexities of unrequited love: “From a Distance.”
Released in 1991, “From a Distance” quickly ascended to the top of the country charts, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Jackson’s discography. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to transcend the boundaries of genre, resonating with listeners from all walks of life. Its heartfelt lyrics and captivating melody paint a vivid picture of a love that remains unspoken, a silent admiration that burns brightly despite the distance that keeps two hearts apart.
“From a Distance” opens with a gentle guitar strumming, setting the stage for Jackson’s warm, baritone voice. The lyrics unfold like a heartfelt confession, as the narrator recounts the moment he encounters his beloved in a crowded bar. He watches from afar, observing her laughter and interactions with another, his heart aching with a love he knows he can never fully express.
The chorus of the song is a poignant declaration of love, a bittersweet symphony of acceptance and longing. “I can’t hold you like I want to / But I can love you from a distance,” Jackson sings, his voice laced with emotion. The repetition of the phrase “from a distance” emphasizes the narrator’s acceptance of his unrequited love, his willingness to cherish his feelings from afar rather than risk jeopardizing their connection.
The verses that follow paint further details of the narrator’s silent admiration. He reminisces about shared memories, the way she used to look at him, and the depth of their connection. These memories serve as a constant reminder of the love that could have been, fueling his unspoken affection.
The bridge of the song offers a glimmer of hope, a fleeting moment where the narrator imagines a different reality. “If I could only hold you near,” he sings, his voice filled with longing. However, this moment of wishful thinking is quickly overshadowed by the harsh reality of their situation.
The song concludes with a reiteration of the chorus, driving home the narrator’s unwavering love for his distant beloved. “I’ll always love you from a distance,” he declares, his voice filled with a bittersweet blend of acceptance and longing.
“From a Distance” is a testament to the power of music to capture the complexities of human emotion. It is a song that speaks to the heart, resonating with those who have experienced the pain of unrequited love. Jackson’s masterful songwriting and heartfelt delivery make “From a Distance” a timeless classic, a song that will continue to touch listeners for generations to come.
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Lyric
Just another barWith loud guitars Smoke and candles burning low And the same old boys Their backs to the bar Staring across a crowded floor Then I hear a familiar sound Your voice’s laughing out loudFrom a distance I can see youDancing slowly with somebody new But I can’t hold you like I want to But I can love you from a distanceSo I take a chairIn a corner somewhere You can’t see me But I can look at you And I remember those times When I looked in your eyes The way that he now looks at you Deep down I know it’s over But it hurts me when he’s so much closerFrom a distance I can see youDancing slowly with somebody new But I can’t hold you like I want to But I can love you from a distanceAnd if I can’t hold you near meI’ll just hold onto your memoryFrom a distance I can see youDancing slowly with somebody new But I can’t hold you like I want to But I can love you from a distance I’ll always love you from a distance