The Hollies' song "Boulder to Birmingham" is about a person who is trying to escape from a painful past and go on a journey to find solace far away from it. The lyrics express the singer's desire to distance themselves from love and heartbreak, and to avoid hearing any sad stories while on their journey. The singer compares a burning canyon to the pain they feel, and acknowledges that they are willing to go to great lengths to move on, even if it means walking from Boulder, Colorado to Birmingham, Alabama. The chorus speaks of finding comfort in the spiritual realm and being saved by the grace of Abraham. The singer longs to see the face of someone they miss and love, but realizes that it won't be easy to bring themselves to face the pain of their past. The lyrics hint at a road trip where the singer is pretending that the sound of the trucks passing by is actually the sound of the ocean washing them clean. Overall, the song is a reflection on the complexities of love, loss, and moving on.
