In Keith Urban's song "Ghost In His Guitar," the lyrics tell the story of a young white boy who formed a strong connection and friendship with an old black man. The boy would sneak into the colored side of town, risking punishment, to spend time with this man. The black man, who has a worn-out guitar and a pillow by his bed for prayer, passes on his knowledge and love for music to the young boy. The chorus describes how the old man's guitar holds all the emotions and experiences he has poured into it over the years. It symbolizes the hard work, pain, and missed opportunities the man endured while playing in smokey bars. The narrator can feel the legacy of the old man's life in his own hands, as if there is a ghost inhabiting the guitar, representing the man's broken heart. The song takes a poignant turn as the old man eventually recognizes his time is near and gives the guitar to the narrator. It becomes the young boy's responsibility to carry on the old man's musical legacy. In playing the guitar, the narrator not only feels the presence of the old man but is sometimes consumed by it, symbolizing their deep connection. The overall meaning of "Ghost In His Guitar" is about the power of music to connect people, transcend barriers such as race and age, and preserve a person's spirit long after they are gone. The song highlights the impact one person can have on another's life through the shared love of music, and how that legacy can be carried on through future generations.
