“Backbone (The Desert Child)” Lyrics by Kasey Chambers is a latest English song in the voice of Kasey Chambers. Its music too is composed by singer while brand new “Backbone (The Desert Child)” song lyrics are also written by Kasey Chambers.
“Backbone (The Desert Child)” by Kasey Chambers is about a resilient person who grew up in the wild, never feeling lost under the Southern Cross. They learned to read the Bible and whistle tunes while waiting for a train. The song reflects on the rugged journey of life, mentioning tough times and a strong will to return home, symbolized by their backbone being harder than stone. The singer reminisces about family, music, and the simple joys that made them who they are, always feeling a pull to come back home no matter where they go.
Kasey Chambers – Backbone (The Desert Child) Lyrics (Full Song)
Well, they call me the desert child
I was born out in the wild
Ain’t never been lost to the Southern Cross with
A heart that runs a mile
While the train it waits arrival
I’d learn to read the Bible
I remembered every word just to sing like a bird
And to whistle on down the line
Oh my backbone, take me back home
Wherever you are, tell ’em my star
Will leave the light on
Oh my backbone, harder than stone
I’mma go east, I’mma go west, I’mma come home
Well, the only road to find her
From the tread underneath the tire
If the fox didn’t howl, it’d save us now
From the bid from the highest buyer
And our hair grew like fire
Like Samson and Delilah
But the rust wouldn’t hurt from the dust and dirt
That we used to barb the wire
Oh my backbone, take me back home
Wherever you are, tell ’em my star
Will leave the light on
Oh my backbone, harder than stone
I’mma go east, I’mma go west, I’mma come home
At night, the words were spoken
Will the circle be unbroken?
And the voice went higher from the family choir
And the moon played in time
And the boxcar disappeared with a wave
From the engineer
And I always came back for the coin on the track
‘Cause it made me a millionaire
Oh my backbone, take me back home
Wherever you are, tell ’em my star
Will leave the light on
Oh my backbone, harder than stone
I’mma go east, I’mma go west, I’mma come home
I’mma go east, I’mma go west, I’mma come home
Well, they call me the desert child
I was born out in the wild
Ain’t never been lost to the Southern Cross with
A heart that runs a mile
Meaning of ‘Backbone (The Desert Child)’ Lyrics Explained (Deep Dive)
The song starts with the singer describing themselves as a “desert child,” born in the wilderness, navigating life with a strong spirit. They’ve never felt lost, guided by the stars of the Southern Cross. Waiting for the train, they spent time reading the Bible and memorizing its words, turning them into songs and whistles to pass the time and find comfort.
In the chorus, the singer yearns to return home, where their “backbone” symbolizes their strength and resilience. They express a strong desire to go in all directions but always find their way back home, with a guiding star that leaves the light on.
The second verse reflects on the journey of finding someone special. The road is tough, but despite challenges, like a fox’s howl or being auctioned off, they stayed strong. Their hair grew wild, reminiscent of the biblical characters Samson and Delilah, symbolizing strength and passion. The rust and dirt from their journey didn’t hurt them, showing their toughness and adaptability.
Repeating the chorus emphasizes the longing for home and the strength of their backbone. This reinforces the idea that no matter where they go, they will always come back to their roots.
In the third verse, they recall nights filled with spoken words and family singing, raising their voices in unison. The moon’s presence adds to the nostalgic and magical atmosphere. They remember the boxcar and the engineer’s wave, symbolizing departures and returns. The coin left on the track represents small, cherished moments that made them feel rich in spirit and experience.
The final repetition of the chorus drives home the message of strength, resilience, and the perpetual journey back to where they belong. The song closes with the same lines it started with, reinforcing the singer’s identity as the “desert child,” always strong and always finding their way home.
Backbone (The Desert Child) Official Music Video
Now that you know the story behind the track, experience the emotions visually in the official music video below.
Famous Phrases with Explanation
1. “They call me the desert child”
This phrase highlights the singer’s roots and identity, emphasizing their connection to the wild, untamed environment they grew up in. It paints a picture of someone who is free-spirited and resilient.
2. “Ain’t never been lost to the Southern Cross”
This phrase means that no matter where they go, they never feel lost because they are always guided by the Southern Cross constellation. It symbolizes a strong sense of direction and belonging.
3. “Oh my backbone, harder than stone”
Here, “backbone” represents the singer’s inner strength and resilience. Describing it as “harder than stone” shows their toughness and determination to withstand life’s challenges and always find their way home.
4. “Our hair grew like fire, like Samson and Delilah”
This phrase draws a comparison to the biblical story of Samson and Delilah, suggesting that their hair, like Samson’s, symbolizes strength and passion. It also hints at the wild, untamed nature of their journey.
5. “I always came back for the coin on the track”
This phrase refers to the simple, cherished moments that brought the singer joy and a sense of wealth. The coin on the track represents the small treasures of life that make them feel rich in spirit and experience.
Backbone (The Desert Child) Song Credits & Production Details
All credits are property of their respective owners.
| Song Title | Backbone (The Desert Child) |
| Singer(s) | Kasey Chambers |
| Musician(s) | Kasey Chambers |
| Lyricist(s) | Kasey Chambers |
| Language | English |
Frequently Asked Questions About Backbone (The Desert Child) Song
Who is the singer of the song ‘Backbone (The Desert Child)’?
The song ‘Backbone (The Desert Child)’ is sung by Kasey Chambers.
Who wrote the song ‘Backbone (The Desert Child)’ by Kasey Chambers?
The song ‘Backbone (The Desert Child)’ by Kasey Chambers is written by Kasey Chambers.
Who produced the music for the song ‘Backbone (The Desert Child)’?
Music of the song ‘Backbone (The Desert Child)’ is produced by Kasey Chambers.
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