Meaning of So You Wannabe An Outlaw - Steve Earle
Steve Earle's composition, "So You Wannabe An Outlaw," transcends the realms of musical expression by providing a profound and unvarnished exploration of the harsh verities entwined with the outlaw lifestyle. The lyrics serve as an earnest admonition to those who may harbor idealistic notions of living beyond the constraints of societal norms, accentuating that the reality is a far cry from the romanticized freedom that may be envisioned. The song commences with a sobering cautionary tone, aptly highlighting that the allure of living on the highway, symbolizing the outlaw existence, belies the true, often unglamorous, nature of such a life.
The recurring refrain in the chorus, "If you wanna be an outlaw, you can never go home," encapsulates the core thematic underpinning of the composition. This refrain metaphorically conveys the irreversible consequences and profound sacrifices intrinsic to the choice of embracing an outlaw lifestyle. It serves as a poignant reminder that once an individual embarks on this unconventional journey, the prospect of returning to familiar grounds becomes an unattainable reverie.
Steve Earle employs evocative imagery in the verses, deftly crafting a vivid narrative that encapsulates the myriad challenges confronted by an outlaw. From stumbling in desolate alleys to futilely calling after someone and facing rejection, the lyrics paint a poignant picture of the inherent loneliness and adversities characterizing such a way of life. The mention of a desire to return to Tennessee introduces a personal touch, underscoring the notion that even the aspiration to revisit familiar places becomes an elusive yearning.
The second verse assumes a pragmatic tone, delving into the tangible ramifications of being an outlaw, explicitly cautioning against the consequences of ill-gotten gains. The lyrics underscore the futility of accumulating material wealth through unlawful means, emphasizing the desolation of the desert as a metaphorical space devoid of avenues to spend such gains. This insight alludes to the isolation and inherent challenges that accompany pursuing wealth through illegitimate channels.
As the song progresses, it unfolds a narrative that underscores the scarcity of trust within the outlaw milieu. The cyclic nature of life, with its suggestion that everything inevitably returns, implies a lack of permanence and stability. The admonition not to place trust even in a lover or a friend reinforces the overarching theme that the outlaw existence necessitates a perpetual state of vigilance and suspicion.
The concluding verses of the song adopt a philosophical stance, advising against seeking redemption when confronting the devil. Set against the backdrop of the metaphorical crossroads, a recurring motif in blues folklore, the lyrics discourage futile attempts to evade the consequences of one's actions. The devil's role in claiming what is due adds a supernatural layer, intimating that the fate of an outlaw is both inevitable and inescapable.
In its entirety, "So You Wannabe An Outlaw" stands as a poignant commentary on the romanticized allure of the outlaw lifestyle, masterfully portraying it as a path laden with hardship, solitude, and choices with irreversible ramifications. The bluesy tone of the composition imparts a timeless quality to its cautionary narrative, reinforcing the overarching message that the journey of an outlaw is one fraught with challenges and bereft of genuine freedom.
