goodnight travel well

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• The Killers

Goodnight Travel Well by The Killers Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Shroud of Grief and Transition

by SMF AI · Published January 15, 2024 · Updated April 25, 2024

• Music Video

The Haunting Echo of Loss – ‘Goodnight, Travel Well’

Between mortality and eternity – the struggle of letting go, a labyrinth of memories – the eternal afterlife of love and regret, the hidden meaning – grief as a universal pilgrimage, memorable lines – the echoes of a haunting refrain.

[Chorus] There’s nothing I can say There’s nothing we can do now There’s nothing I can say There’s nothing we can do now

And all that stands between the souls release This temporary flesh and bone We know that it’s over now I feel my faded mind begin to roam

Every time you fall And every time you try Every foolish dream And every compromise Every word you spoke And everything you said Everything you left me, rambles in my head

Up above the world so high

And everything you loved And every time you try Everybody’s watching Everybody cry

Stay, don’t leave me The stars can’t for your sign Don’t signal now

Goodnight, travel well Goodnight, travel well

Full Lyrics

In the vast realm of music, where lyrics often dance between the lines of personal experience and universal themes, The Killers’ ‘Goodnight, Travel Well’ stands as a haunting anthem of loss and the inevitability of letting go. Anchored in the depths of the human experience, the song delves into the soul’s most profound chasms, inviting listeners to reflect on the ephemeral nature of life and the daunting passage to whatever lies beyond.

While the song has been subject to various interpretations, its poignant lyrics and somber melody seem to serve as a vessel for grappling with the unspeakable—a gut-wrenching farewell to someone dear. In the following breakdown, we’ll explore the layers of meaning embedded within this captivating track and dissect the aspects that make it a profound meditation on the universal journey of grief.

Beginning with an arresting image of the ‘unknown distance to the great beyond,’ The Killers immediately set the tone for a song that grapples with the mysterious and often terrifying concept of death. The lyrics serve as an internal monologue, a grief-stricken voice acknowledging the powerlessness humanity faces against the inexorable creep of mortality. The phrase ‘goodnight, travel well’ itself is a somber wish, awash with the resignation that comes with bidding farewell to someone heading into the unfathomable.

Musically, the song mirrors its lyrical weight with a slow, deliberate procession of melancholic chords and a rising tide of orchestration that seems to swell with a mix of sorrow and transcendence. It’s the sound of the universe coming to a stilled hush, resonating profoundly with the soul’s ‘sacred pain’ in the face of loss.

‘All that stands between the soul’s release / This temporary flesh and bone’—this line eloquently captures the transient state of human existence, the thin veil that separates the living from whatever comes after. In acknowledging the fragile and finite state of life, The Killers touch on a universal truth: all human beings are bound to this temporary state before embarking on the ultimate journey of departure.

Fear, confusion, and a search for meaning often accompany the process of letting go, especially in the face of someone else’s departure. The futile attempts depicted in the song (‘There’s nothing I can say / There’s nothing we can do now’) emphasize the sense of helplessness that can grip the heart in response to the unchangeable.

The Killers don’t just focus on the act of parting, but also on the aftermath—how every decision, word, and dream shared with the departing soul lingers on, echoing in the hollow left behind. Memories become both a solace and a torment, the remnants of a connection that can no longer evolve but refuses to fully diminish. What’s left is a ‘ramble’ in the speaker’s mind, a maze of recollections that paint a portrait of what was but will never again be.

In this landscape of remembrance, love and regret intermingle, challenging the bereaved to come to terms with the complex legacy of relationships. The cycles of trying and failing, of dreaming and compromising, remain as quiet testaments to life’s intricate dance with desire and disappointment.

Peering beyond the surface of ‘Goodnight, Travel Well,’ one might discern a broader allegory at work. The concept of travel, both in its literal and metaphorical forms, serves as a poignant representation of journeying through grief—a transformative pilgrimage that alters the traveler irrevocably. The song becomes a somber lullaby not only for the gone but also for those left to navigate the labyrinthine process of mourning.

The repeated goodbye that punctuates the song is an invocation of sorts, an effort to bless the journey of the soul while also trying to find comfort in the bleak assurance that there’s no more suffering for them out there. This repeated phrase is a poignant reminder that in grief, there are no right words, only the raw, often incomprehensible expressions of love and pain interwoven with the passage of time.

‘Stay, don’t leave me / The stars can wait for your sign / Don’t signal now’—these lines stand out as a desperate plea in the midst of acceptance, a final clutch at the threads of connection before their inevitable unraveling. In its heartbreaking simplicity, it’s an appeal against the crushing reality of saying goodbye, a cry for just a moment more of precious, shared existence.

It’s the universal cry of humankind in the face of separation, an echo that resonates with anyone who has ever loved deeply. These memorable lines serve as the emotional core of the song, a raw and untamed voice against the silent vastness that awaits us all, giving listeners a shared space to grieve, remember, and eventually, to heal.

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Goodnight, Travel Well

The killers.

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The Killers are an American rock band that was formed in 2001, by Brandon Flowers (lead vocals, keyboards) and Dave Keuning (guitar, backing vocals). Mark Stoermer (bass, backing vocals) and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. (drums, percussion) would complete the current line-up of the band in 2002. The band originated in Las Vegas, Nevada. The name The Killers is derived from a logo on the bass drum of a fictitious band portrayed in the music video for the New Order song "Crystal". more »

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Written by: BRANDON FLOWERS, DAVE BRENT KEUNING, MARK AUGUST STOERMER, RONNIE JR. VANNUCCI

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Meaning of Goodnight, Travel Well by The Killers

"Goodnight, Travel Well" by The Killers explores themes of mortality, grief, and the longing for connection after loss. The song reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.

In the first verse, the lyrics convey a sense of personal loss and a yearning for something beyond the tangible world. The speaker's spirit is burdened with a profound pain, depicted through the phrase "my spirit moans with a sacred pain." The subsequent line, "And it's quiet now, the universe is standing still," suggests a profound stillness or void that accompanies grief.

The chorus emphasizes a sense of powerlessness in the face of life's uncertainties and the finality of death. The repetition of "There's nothing I can say, there's nothing we can do now" suggests a resignation to the circumstances and a recognition that ultimately, death is an unavoidable reality.

The second verse delves deeper into the notion that our physical bodies act as a barrier between our souls and the release that death brings. The fading mind reflects the gradual detachment from the physical world and an internal struggle to find peace.

The bridge presents the idea that every experience, every attempt, and every relationship leaves an indelible mark on our minds. The thoughts of a loved one who has passed away linger, creating a mental reverie.

In the third verse, there is an acknowledgment of the watchful eyes of others who witness the pain and emotional turmoil of those left behind. The plea to "Stay, don't leave me" reflects a desire for the departed to remain, as their presence provides solace. However, the stars are urged to wait for a signal, suggesting a reluctance to let go and to embrace the journey through death.

The song concludes with the repetition of "Goodnight, travel well," signifying both a farewell and a wish for the deceased to find peace and safe travels in the afterlife. The final refrain of "There's nothing I can say, there's nothing I can do now" reiterates the acceptance of the inevitable and the inability to change the course of events.

Overall, "Goodnight, Travel Well" conveys the emotional struggle and the deep sense of loss that accompanies the death of a loved one. It encapsulates the universal experience of grief, the search for meaning in the face of mortality, and the longing for a connection that transcends physical existence.

This meaning interpretation was written by AI. Help improve it with your feedback

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The unknown distance to the great beyond Stares back at my grieving frame To cast my shadow by the holy sun My spirit moans with a sacred pain And it's quiet now The universe is standing still There's nothing I can say There's nothing we can do now There's nothing I can say There's nothing we can do now And all that stands between the souls release This temporary flesh and bone We know that it's over now I feel my faded mind begin to roam Every time you fall And every time you try Every foolish dream And every compromise Every word you spoke And everything you said Everything you left me, rambles in my head There's nothing I can say There's nothing we can do now There's nothing I can say There's nothing we can do now Up above the world so high And everything you loved And every time you try Everybody's watching Everybody cry Stay, don't leave me The stars can't for your sign Don't signal now There's nothing I can say There's nothing we can do now There's nothing I can say There's nothing we can do now Goodnight, travel well Goodnight, travel well And there's nothing I can say There's nothing I can do now

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Goodnight, Travel Well by The Killers

• The unknown distance to the great beyond Stares back at my grieving frame To cast my shadow by the holy sun My spirit moans with a sacred pain And it's quiet now The universe is standing still [Chorus] There's nothing I can say There's nothing we can do now There's nothing I can say There's nothing we can do now And all that stands between the souls release This temporary flesh and bone We know that it's over now I feel my faded mind begin to roam Every time you fall And every time you try Every foolish dream And every compromise Every word you spoke And everything you said Everything you left me, rambles in my head [Chorus] Up above the world so high And everything you loved And every time you try Everybody's watching Everybody cry Stay, don't leave me The stars can't for your sign Don't signal now [Chorus] Goodnight, travel well Goodnight, travel well And there's nothing I can say There's nothing I can do now Writer/s: BRANDON FLOWERS, DAVE BRENT KEUNING, MARK AUGUST STOERMER, RONNIE JR. VANNUCCI Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind
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Comments: 8

• Neil from Lincolnshire Like Jimmy, I associate this song with the death of my father. It is emotionally charged and hits you in the gut. Even after 5 years I still get emotional hearing it. But I think there is a moment of hope, of better things to come, if not for me at least for my father. And that moment is the key change from minor to major towards the end. Would be in my top 10 tracks of all time for sure.
• Jimmy from Belfast, United Kingdom I had heard this song many times but never really heard it. I was lying listening to it the week after my father died which was just 3 weeks ago and it leapt out at me. It took a whole new meaning and life of it's own. It's certainly dark and doesn't really leave you with hope.. more of an acknowledgement.
• Ellie from Alamo, Tx thats exactly what i thought the song was about. dealing with death. i pictured a soul shooting up into the clouds after the lyrics "up above the world so high". i have no idea why mtv decided to use this song for an ad. it has nothing to do with it.
• Ben from Pensacola, Fl OK, nevermind, I found out this was a commercial video made for MTV. Still confuses me how they chose a song about someone dying to use for a video like this.
• Ben from Pensacola, Fl I REALLY REALLY wish they would not run YouTube ads in place of the videos. I spent the whole 1st listen to this song wondering what a video about some girl being forced into prostituion had to do with this song. Only at the end did I find out the video was for an MTV ad and the song just played over it.
• Paris from Cardiff, United Kingdom why does this song disapoint you theresa from Murfreesboro? the lyrics are so deep, and i think it perfectly descibes the feeling and emotions we all know of when somebody dies. i think its brilliantly written and is one of their best.
• Theresa from Murfreesboro, Tn This song is ok - kinda disappoints me though.
• Kylie from Ventura, Ca This song is sooo beautiful. I think it brilliantly describes what you feel like when someone dies. This song could never get old.

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Goodnight, Travel Well

• The Killers

47 Comments

Lyrics submitted by jeremygrim

Goodnight, Travel Well Lyrics as written by Dave Brent Keuning Brandon Flowers

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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It's all about death. Period. I don't believe there are any hidden meanings or anything. It's about Dave's mother, who has just passed away, and Brandon's mother who was diagnosed with a deadly brain tumor. The first few times I listened to this moving song, I thought the lyrics were complex and I didn't understand. But in reality, they are quite simple- just brilliant, and you have to think. Here, I'll translate them for you..

The unknown distance to the great beyond Stares back at my grieving frame

(The unknown distance is heaven- he is looking up at the sky and heaven stares back at him. He is going through he initial stages of grief- he is in shock, he is upset, he is still waiting for his mother to return.)

To cast my shadow by the holy sun My spirit moans with a sacred pain

(The holy sun and the shadow all has to do with religion, heaven. The spirit and the sacred pain is technically saying that he is in an indescribable pain)

And it's quiet now The universe is standing still

(The quiet is from his mother being gone, without her everything just stops. He is coming to the realization that she is gone, and he is discovering how different it is without her)

[Chorus] There's nothing I can say There's nothing we can do now There's nothing I can say There's nothing we can do now

(This is another stage of grief. He knows that she is gone- he is angry and frustrated with himself and the situation. It is too late to change anything now- neither of them can do anything about it)

And all that stands between the souls release This temporary flesh and bone

(He begins to question life and what it really is. He understands the not much stands between life and death, and we are all temporary here on earth)

We know that it's over now I feel my faded mind begin to roam

(He is speaking to himself and his mother- trying to convince himself that everything they had is done- but he can't help but think of the past)

Every time you fall And every time you try Every foolish dream And every compromise Every word you spoke And everything you said Everything you left me, rambles in my head

(He is at yet another stage of grief. Getting angry and realizing that none of that shit means anything anymore. Every time his mother tried to do something, every time she had a dream, every time she spoke a word- he is pretty much saying that it was all a waste of time because she no longer exists. However, he can't stop thinking of everything she taught him and did for him and told him- the memories kill him)

Up above the world so high

(This has various meanings. Of course it is a line from "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", which could have been a song she said to him, or just a song that reminds him of childhood and innocent. He knows that now his mother actually is up above the world so high. He can't take the intense pain)

And everything you loved And every time you try Everybody's watching Everybody cry

(He is still thinking and grieving. Talking about how his mother was a real person- a woman who loved and a woman who had passion and a woman who did so much. He can't wrap his head around that in such a quick moment that can all be over. He is surrounded by family and friends who grieve along with him. He is extremely sad and he doesn't know what to do)

Stay, don't leave me The stars can wait for your sign Don't signal now

(Know he is past the stage of shock and confusion and anger and frustration. He is sad. Just extremely sad. He becomes a child and he gets on his knees and he begs- please please don't leave me here alone. He tells the stars or God or the grim reaper or whoever takes someone when they die, that they can wait- he will do anything- just do not take her from me.

Goodnight, travel well Goodnight, travel well

(He has reached the final stage. The stars have ignored his pleadings, he accepts that his mother is gone. He is the saddest, most frustrated and confused man on the face of the earth. But he fights through it and finds peace. He knows that he can't change anything. He says his final farewells to his mother- and he pretty much wishes her luck in heaven. He hopes she is safe and okay. Tears are streaming down his face but he smiles because he thinks of the life he shared with his mother- the good times. He knows that she can hear him- and he feels at peace.

And there's nothing I can say There's nothing I can do now

(He revisits the thoughts of any grieving man.There is nothing I can do. There is nothing I can say. It is what it is. I can't change it. It ail be okay and we will move one. It will be okay.

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Wow.....love this song, beautiful.....I'm speechless...

i know its totally wrong, but when i hear this song i cant help thinking about a person who is about to jump off a bridge, thinking about his life.

the beauty of art is that you can interprette it any way you like.

goodnight, travell well is my favourite song of all time. i dont know why, but i love it :p

I didn't care too much for 'Day & Age', thought it was a little lackluster, and while better than 'Sawdust' it fell short of 'Sam's Town' and 'Hot Fuss'. For me, this song was the albums most redeeming feature and it may actually be my favorite song of theirs, even if it isn't much like the rest of their catalog. I hope this represents a new direction for the band, personally I would love to see more songs similar to this one in future Killer's releases.

While I think it can be agreed that this song is about sickness and death, what resonates with me most is how Brandon conveys feeling powerless. In this way the song is really about a loss of hope, so I feel it transcends the literal meaning and becomes something with which people in a variety of situations can empathize. Anyways, a great band and a powerful song, I can't help but tear up when I hear it.

I find it interesting that not many people (if any) have discussed the "great beyond" part of the song throughout these comments. I've always interepreted it to be from a first person perspective. I had a close friend die of cancer and a few days before he passed we were in his room in the hospital. At one point he told us that he may be counting his days, but we were all being rather optimistic about the situation. After he died, one of my best friends looked at me and said, "you know Johny knew he was dying." That still haunts me and probably will forever. I can't imagine what must've been going through his head at that time. He knew it was over. There's nothing I can say or do now. I do find "great beyond" and "travel well" very interesting. I'd like to know what Brandon means here. Where is that soul releasing to?? Very cool and very spiritual. Good work fellas.

This song allways makes me think about what is after live... you know, about what eternity looks like.

mediauser.de/wp-content/uploads/universum1.jpg

Everytime when I listen to this song I look at this picture, it makes me feel so happy, full of emitions... Imagine travelling home... through the beautiful universe to a place where everything is bright an shining and magical. I don't believe in God, but I think, that there is something bigger... this is what this song sounds like to me.

This song is so well written! I am a BIG fan of the band and listened to this CD a lot during the spring/summer of 2009. I knew I liked the song but didn't fully pay attention to the lyrics until my grandmother passed away that October. There are times when I torture myself and listen to it over and over and never once have NOT shed a tear. It feels like I am still trying to accept the fact that she is gone and am searching for the answers in the lyrics to this song.

Stay don't leave me The stars can wait for your sign don't signal now...

My grandmother died alone during the night. I knew how sick she was but did not realize that the end was so close. I wish she could have not "signaled" so that I could have had one last visit with her. I would have given anything to have been holding her hand when she passed.

Every word you spoke Everything you said Everything you left me rambles in my head...

I try desperately to remember everything she taught me and the times we shared together. You see, I was born on her birthday and we shared a special bond like no other bond I have ever experienced or will ever experience in this lifetime. I have the last roll of film from her camera in my purse. On that roll of film there is the last picture ever taken of her with my, at the time 2 1/2 month old, son. I guess I am not developing it because once I see the pictures there will be no more.

Every time you fought Every time you tried...

My grandmother battled thyroid cancer since 1991 and was successful for 18 years. We traveled regularly to a hospital over an hour away and she fought the disease with everything she had until, I think, she got too week and tired to fight. She had a true love of life.

As the song picks up toward the end I think it is expressing the feelings of those left behind. Helpless and realizing that all they can do is wish the departed well as they begin their journey into the unknown.

The end of the song reminds me of a heartbeat slowly fading into nothing.

After this song I have an even greater appreciation of the band. This song had to have been written by someone who has gone through the same experience as I have. For those of you who disagree maybe you have not lost that special someone. If so, I am truly happy for you and my advice to you is enjoy every second that their flesh and bone is still here to enjoy. May God Bless!

I drove my son's car a while back and was completely blown away with the song. it touched all of my senses. The music is very powerful and the lyrics took me to a special place. I immediately thought of the death of my parents. Even though years apart the emotions were the same. We are both body and soul. The soul is definitely the most significant and is eternal. And when my time comes I plan to travel well, how about with angel wings. Is that traveling well?

It is sown corruptible; it is raised incorruptible. it is sown dishonorable; it is raised glorious. It is sown weak; it is raised powerful. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual one. 1 Corinthians 15:42b-44 But there is something you can say, there is something you can do!

This song seems to be about losing someone and there be nothing the narrator can do about it.

This song is great, I can tell though that since it isn't really that mainstreem kinda sound that it's going to be under appreciated.

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the song was written by Brandon Flowers (vocals) and Dave Keuning (guitar) as a tribute to Dave's mother who passed away last year, and for Brandon's mother who was unfortunately diagnsed with a brain tumour.

Oh I forgot to add in my last post that the line "The unknown distance to the gray beyond" is incorrect. It sounds more like "The unknown distance to the GREAT beyond."

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I don't agree, hearing the song it does sound like gray, and it makes sense to me too: the song seems to be about death and this sentence symbolizes the unclearness, the not knowing, lability. It's a mystery what's after dead. It's vague, it's gray.

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The Killers – Goodnight, Travel Well lyrics

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Goodnight, Travel Well meanings

• h + 2 Helloo2everyone 2010-05-26 22:55:25 I think this is the deepest breakup song I've ever heard. Its not like the new ones that are only repeating choruses. It really gets the feelings of being dumped by the love of your life. It does not talk about how it happened but how do you feel when you get replaced and the anxiety you feel. How helpless you feel when you ask that person to stay but he/she won't. I really love this song. Long life the killers! Add your reply

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• h + 2 Helloo2everyone I think this is the deepest breakup song I've ever heard. Its not like the new ones that are only... Read more →

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• The Killers Lyrics
• Day & Age Album
• Goodnight, Travel Well Lyrics

The Killers - Goodnight, Travel Well Lyrics

Artist: The Killers

Album: Day & Age

Genre: Rock

The unknown distance to the gray beyond Stares back at my grieving frame To cast my shadow by the holy sun My spirit moans with a sacred pain It's quiet now The universe is standing still There's nothin' I can say There's nothin' we can do now There's nothin' I can say There's nothin' we can do now And all that stands between the soul's release This temporary flesh and bone And know that it's over now I feel my faded mind begin to roam Every time you fall and every time you try Every foolish dream and every compromise Every word you spoke and everything you said Everything you left me, rambles in my head And there's nothing I can say There's nothing I can do now There's nothing I can say There's nothing I can do now Up above the world so high Everything you loved and every time you try Everybody's watching and everybody cry Stay, don't leave me, the stars can wait for your sign Don't signal now And there's nothing I can say There's nothing I can do now And there's nothing I can say There's nothing we can do now Goodnight, travel well Goodnight, travel well There's nothing I can say Nothing I can do now Goodnight, travel well, travel well Travel well

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The Killers: Goodnight, Travel Well

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Additionally, the band released a video for "Goodnight, Travel Well" in partnership with MTV EXIT, UNICEF, and USAID in order to raise awareness about human trafficking. It premiered globall... Read all Additionally, the band released a video for "Goodnight, Travel Well" in partnership with MTV EXIT, UNICEF, and USAID in order to raise awareness about human trafficking. It premiered globally on MTV on July 13, 2009 and on UNICEF's YouTube page the next day. Additionally, the band released a video for "Goodnight, Travel Well" in partnership with MTV EXIT, UNICEF, and USAID in order to raise awareness about human trafficking. It premiered globally on MTV on July 13, 2009 and on UNICEF's YouTube page the next day.

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• Trivia Won a Silver Lion in Cannes, 2010

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• July 13, 2009 (United States)
• United States
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• Runtime 4 minutes

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