"Back Of My Mind" by John Hiatt is a poignant song that reflects on the narrator's relationship with his father, his struggles with expressing his emotions, and his search for meaning and purpose in life. The song opens with the narrator recalling a moment when his father called out to him from the bottom of the stairs. At that time, he realized that he had deep thoughts and emotions kept hidden in the back of his mind, which he believed were worth dying for. However, he felt unable to articulate these feelings to his father or anyone else. Feeling trapped and unable to express himself, the narrator decides to hit the highway, seeking solace in solitude. He searches for solutions and answers, yearning to find a way to live with the overwhelming thoughts and emotions that he carries within. Eventually, the narrator establishes a routine by taking a job, getting married, and turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. However, this lifestyle eventually leads him to a point where he feels empty, having nothing left but the emotional baggage he has been carrying all along. The turning point comes when the narrator reaches the end of the line, realizing that the light he had hoped to find was merely a faint spark within him all this time. It is through his heart's brokenness and the cold wind blowing through it that he discovers the fire of love, trust, and faith. This spark, buried deep in the back of his mind, begins to guide and inspire him. The song suggests that the narrator has been driving through life aimlessly, unaware of the true meaning and purpose he seeks, until this newfound realization. The final lines describe his transformed state, "Drivin' like rain, or a runaway train // Flyin' blind, shot from the dark in the back of my mind." This signifies that he now moves through life with a renewed sense of purpose and direction, guided by the spark of hope and understanding which was previously hidden in the depths of his mind. Overall, "Back Of My Mind" explores themes of self-discovery, emotional suppression, and finding meaning in life's journey. It emphasizes the importance of introspection, expressing oneself, and embracing the values of love and faith.
