"Your Love Is My Rest" by John Hiatt is a song that speaks about the longing for love and the difficulties one faces while trying to pursue it. The lyrics depict a wanderer, traveling down a metaphorical train line, searching for love and fulfillment. The song begins by describing the narrator's restless state, comparing his emotions to a herd of buffalo scattered by a shotgun blast. He acknowledges his one-track mind, always striving to reach his destination and find happiness. However, he admits to living in a dream-like state, suggesting that his pursuit of love might be driven by fantasy rather than reality. The chorus reflects the narrator's longing, as he expresses the need to pick up speed and acquire what he desires. He hopes that love will bring him rest, providing the comfort and stability he craves. The line "The end of the line guaranteed" implies that his journey will ultimately lead him to the love he seeks. The song's imagery takes a darker turn as it mentions a coal catching fire and a smokestack emitting smoke and ash. This symbolizes the turmoil and conflict that the pursuit of love can bring. The narrator acknowledges the sadness of potentially hurting the one they love through their wanderlust. The line "You'd know best" suggests that the person they love understands the narrator's restless nature. The mention of Custer's last stand and the ghost dance allude to Native American history and culture. This could indicate that the narrator feels like an outsider or an outcast due to their constant traveling and inability to settle down. The line "I got the blood on my hands, can't even live where I stand" portrays a sense of guilt and remorse, possibly for leaving behind those they have loved. Despite the hardships faced, the chorus reiterates the hope that love will bring rest and peacefulness to the narrator's life. The repetition of the line "Your love is my rest" emphasizes the central theme of the song. The narrator believes that finding love will finally provide the stability and contentment they have been searching for. In summary, "Your Love Is My Rest" explores the yearning for love, the challenges faced while pursuing it, and the hope that it will bring a sense of peace and fulfillment to the narrator's life.
