Took a look down a westbound road,
right away I made my choice
Headed out to my big two-wheeler,
I was tired of my own voice
Took a bead on the northern plains
and just rolled that power on
Twelve hours out of Mackinaw City
stopped in a bar to have a brew
Met a girl and we had a few drinks
and I told her what I’d decided to do
She looked out the window a long long moment
then she looked into my eyes
She didn’t have to say a thing,
I knew what she was thinkin’
Roll, roll me away,
won’t you roll me away tonight
I too am lost, I feel double-crossed
and I’m sick of what’s wrong and what’s right
We never even said a word,
we just walked out and got on that bike
And we rolled
And we rolled clean out of sight
We rolled across the high plains
Deep into the mountains
Felt so good to me
Finally feelin’ free
Somewhere along a high road
The air began to turn cold
She said she missed her home
I headed on alone
Stood alone on a mountain top,
starin’ out at the Great Divide
I could go east, I could go west,
it was all up to me to decide
Just then I saw a young hawk flyin’
and my soul began to rise
And pretty soon
My heart was singin’
Roll, roll me away,
I’m gonna roll me away tonight
Gotta keep rollin, gotta keep ridin’,
keep searchin’ till I find what’s right
And as the sunset faded
I spoke to the faintest first starlight
And I said next time
Next time
We’ll get it right
Finding Freedom on the Open Road
“Roll Me Away” by Bob Seger is a heartfelt anthem about the search for freedom, self-discovery, and the courage to leave the familiar behind. The song opens with a decisive departure, as the narrator sets out on his motorcycle, craving escape from monotony and a chance to find clarity. Along the journey, a chance encounter leads to companionship, but ultimately both travelers realize they must continue alone to find their true path. The imagery of endless highways, sweeping plains, and mountain vistas evokes a sense of liberation and possibility. As the protagonist stands atop the Great Divide, faced with limitless choices, the lyrics reflect both vulnerability and hope, capturing the universal longing for meaning and the determination to “keep rollin'” until the right path is found.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Seger
- Songwriter: Bob Seger
- Release Year: 1982
- Label: Capitol Records