Dusty road, buried dreams
Pieces on the ground
Saw the ghosts of empty streets
Of that West Virginia town
You worked for years on swing shift at the oil refinery
You loved your wife and your kids
And one of those kids was me
And the sweat upon your brow was like the tears of heaven pouring out
You said keep walking on down, down this dusty road
We're gonna make it somehow
Now I wish that you were here
You'd be amazed to see
That today looks like a page torn from 1933
In my dreams to you I run
In golden fields where angels kiss the sun
You say keep walking on down, down this dusty road
We're gonna make it somehow
I can feel it, feel it in my bones
That there's a place up ahead that looks like home
We keep walking on down, down this dusty road
We're gonna make it somehow
We're gonna make it somehow
Yes we are
And a peace comes to me now
Like a steady hand to lead us out
We keep walking on down, down this dusty road
We're gonna make it somehow
I can feel it, feel it in my bones
That there's a place up ahead that looks like home
We keep walking on down, down this dusty road
We're gonna make it somehow
We're gonna make it somehow
Yes we are
"Dusty Road" is a poignant song by Christian artist Michael W. Smith that captures the essence of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity. The song tells the story of a father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family, and the impact his love and determination had on his children.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a small West Virginia town where dreams have been buried and the streets are empty. The father in the song worked on swing shift at an oil refinery, sacrificing his own comfort for the sake of his loved ones. This echoes the biblical principle found in 1 Timothy 5:8, which states, "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." The father's dedication to his family is a testament to his faith and commitment.
The chorus of the song speaks of the father's encouragement to keep walking down the dusty road, assuring that they will make it somehow. This sentiment reflects the biblical promise in Proverbs 16:3, which says, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." The father's unwavering faith and trust in God's provision is a reminder to keep pressing forward, even when the road seems uncertain.
As the song progresses, the lyrics shift to the perspective of the songwriter reflecting on the past. The nostalgia and longing for the presence of the father is evident in the lines, "Now I wish that you were here, you'd be amazed to see, that today looks like a page torn from 1933." This longing for connection and the desire to share life's triumphs and challenges with a loved one resonates with the biblical concept of community and support found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, which states, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
The song concludes with a sense of peace and assurance that comes from trusting in God's plan. The lyrics convey a sense of guidance and direction, as the songwriter envisions a place ahead that looks like home. This echoes the biblical promise in Jeremiah 29:11, which states, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." The journey down the dusty road may be challenging, but there is a sense of hope and confidence that they will make it somehow.
In summary, "Dusty Road" by Michael W. Smith is a beautiful song that encapsulates the themes of perseverance, hope, and faith. Through the story of a father's sacrifice and the songwriter's reflections, the song reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's plan and the power of love and determination. It serves as a reminder to keep walking down the dusty road, knowing that with God's guidance, we will make it somehow.
