"Child of These Roads" by Joshua Kadison is a song about the experiences and journey of a young musician traveling through America. The lyrics depict the artist's love for music and his desire to pursue his dreams, even at a young age. The song starts by describing the endless highway in the middle of town, symbolizing the artist's life on the road. Music runs through his veins, signifying his passion and dedication to his craft. He reflects on his youth, specifically the summer of 1982, when he was just starting out and barely legal. As he travels through different towns, he experiences a transformation, both in his music and in himself. The towns, depicted as barking dogs, symbolize the challenges and obstacles he faces along the way. Despite these difficulties, something inside him changes, as fast as his wheels on the road. The artist's perception of America shifts as he ventures further. It becomes everything he expected and yet nothing at the same time. He sees it as a holy roadside attraction, capturing the imagination and dreams of a young artist like himself. The narrative then turns to his experiences in different cities he visits. He finds Memphis, where the famous Sun Studios have been transformed into a souvenir shop, reminding him of the passing of time and the fickleness of fame. He also mentions driving past Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, and heading south to New Orleans. Along the way, he witnesses the impact of commercialization, with mini-malls and automatic banking machines scarred across the delta. The artist acknowledges that he is shaped by his life on the road, calling himself a child of these roads. The roads are depicted as a wide black river, shining with opportunities and possibilities. The constant movement and exploration allow him to go wherever he wants to and follow his dreams. The song concludes with gratitude for all the people the artist has encountered along the way. He thanks the souls in roadside joints for their kindness, as they have taught him valuable life lessons. They have shown him how to love deeply, how to find solace in music, and how to embrace each day as it comes. Despite never learning to stay in one place for too long, the artist accepts and embraces this aspect of his life. He expresses a desire for his ashes to be scattered on the road when he passes away, symbolizing his eternal connection to the journey and the song. Overall, "Child of These Roads" is a heartfelt tribute to the road and all the experiences, challenges, and joys it brings. It celebrates the artist's love for music, his passion for exploring, and his appreciation for all those who have touched his life along the way.
