Video
About The Song
Song Overview:
Title: End of the Line
Artist: The Traveling Wilburys
Release Date: October 1988
Album: Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1
Genre: Rock, Folk Rock
Background: “End of the Line” is a song by The Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup composed of George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Roy Orbison. The group formed almost by accident, with the members coming together out of mutual respect and a shared love of making music. “End of the Line” is the final track on their debut album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, released in 1988. The song was recorded at a time when each member was already a well-established musician, making the collaboration a unique and celebrated moment in rock history.
Lyrics and Theme: “End of the Line” is a laid-back, optimistic song that reflects the band’s camaraderie and love for music. The lyrics convey a message of acceptance, resilience, and enjoying life’s journey, no matter what comes your way. The chorus, “Well, it’s all right,” repeated throughout the song, reinforces this theme, suggesting that everything will be okay as long as you keep moving forward. The song’s easygoing rhythm and positive lyrics make it a feel-good anthem about going with the flow and taking life as it comes.
Musical Composition: The song features a blend of acoustic guitars, gentle percussion, and harmonized vocals, creating a relaxed and comforting vibe. Each member of the band contributes vocals, with George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne taking the lead on different verses. Roy Orbison, who passed away shortly after the album’s release, is honored in the music video with a rocking chair and his guitar playing in time with the music, symbolizing his presence. The instrumentation and harmonies reflect the group’s collective talents and their ability to blend their distinct styles into a cohesive sound.
Cultural Impact: “End of the Line” was well-received both critically and commercially, becoming one of the standout tracks from the album. The song’s music video, which includes the tribute to Orbison, further cemented its place in rock history. The track’s message of staying positive and resilient resonates with listeners, making it a timeless piece. The Traveling Wilburys, though only together for a short time, left a lasting legacy, and “End of the Line” remains a testament to their unique chemistry and the joy they found in making music together.
Legacy: Despite the group’s short lifespan, “End of the Line” has endured as a classic rock song. It showcases the spirit of collaboration and the joy of making music without the pressures of the industry. The song’s enduring popularity is a tribute to the legendary musicians who came together to create something special, purely for the love of the craft. It remains a beloved track for fans of the individual artists as well as the supergroup as a whole.
Conclusion: “End of the Line” by The Traveling Wilburys is more than just a song; it’s a celebration of life, music, and friendship. The laid-back feel, combined with its reassuring lyrics, makes it a comforting anthem that encourages listeners to take life’s challenges in stride. The song stands as a joyful reminder of what can happen when talented artists come together with a shared purpose: to create music that resonates with people across generations.
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Well it’s all right, riding around in the breeze
Well it’s all right, if you live the life you please
Well it’s all right, doing the best you can
Well it’s all right, as long as you lend a hand
You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring (End of the Line)
Waiting for someone to tell you everything (End of the Line)
Sit around and wonder what tomorrow will bring (End of the Line)
Maybe a diamond ring
Well it’s all right, even if they say you’re wrong
Well it’s all right, sometimes you gotta be strong
Well it’s all right, As long as you got somewhere to lay
Well it’s all right, everyday is Judgment Day
Maybe somewhere down the road aways (End of the Line)
You’ll think of me, wonder where I am these days (End of the Line)
Maybe somewhere down the road when somebody plays (End of the Line)
Purple haze
Well it’s all right, even when push comes to shove
Well it’s all right, if you got someone to love
Well it’s all right, everything’ll work out fine
Well it’s all right, we’re going to the end of the line
Don’t have to be ashamed of the car I drive (End of the Line)
I’m just glad to be here, happy to be alive (End of the Line)
It don’t matter if you’re by my side (End of the Line)
I’m satisfied
Well it’s all right, even if you’re old and gray
Well it’s all right, you still got something to say
Well it’s all right, remember to live and let live
Well it’s all right, the best you can do is forgive
Well it’s all right, riding around in the breeze
Well it’s all right, if you live the life you please
Well it’s all right, even if the sun don’t shine
Well it’s all right, we’re going to the end of the line