About the song
“Against the Wind” is one of Bob Seger’s most iconic songs, released in 1980 on the album of the same name. The track reflects themes of aging, reflection, and the passage of time, resonating deeply with listeners as it explores the struggles and triumphs of life.
Lyrically, “Against the Wind” portrays a sense of nostalgia and introspection. Seger recounts his experiences growing up, the challenges he faced, and the memories that have shaped him. The lyrics convey a poignant sense of yearning for the past while acknowledging the inevitability of change. The refrain, emphasizing the idea of moving “against the wind,” symbolizes resilience and perseverance in the face of life’s adversities.
Musically, the song features a rich arrangement, combining rock elements with a more introspective, almost anthemic quality. Seger’s powerful, emotive vocals are supported by lush instrumentation, including strings, which enhance the song’s emotional depth. The combination of soft rock and poignant storytelling creates a timeless quality that resonates with audiences across generations.
“Against the Wind” achieved commercial success, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying Seger’s status as a rock legend. Its universal themes of reflection and resilience continue to inspire listeners, making it a staple in Seger’s repertoire and a classic in the rock music canon.
Video
Lyrics
It seems like yesterday
But it was long ago
Janey was lovely she was the queen of my nights
There in the darkness with the radio playing low, and
And the secrets that we shared
The mountains that we moved
Caught like a wildfire out of control
‘Til there was nothing left to burn and nothing left to prove
And I remember what she said to me
How she swore that it never would end
I remember how she held me oh-so-tight
Wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then
Against the wind
We were runnin’ against the wind
We were young and strong, we were runnin’ against the wind
The years rolled slowly past
And I found myself alone
Surrounded by strangers I thought were my friends
I found myself further and further from my home, and I
Guess I lost my way
There were oh-so-many roads
I was living to run and running to live
Never worried about paying or even how much I owed
Moving eight miles a minute for months at a time
Breaking all of the rules that would bend
I began to find myself searching
Searching for shelter again and again
Against the wind
A little something against the wind
I found myself seeking shelter against the wind
Well those drifter’s days are past me now
I’ve got so much more to think about
Deadlines and commitments
What to leave in, what to leave out
Against the wind
I’m still runnin’ against the wind
I’m older now but still runnin’ against the wind
Well I’m older now and still runnin’
Against the wind
Against the wind
Against the wind
Still runnin’ (against the wind)
I’m still runnin’ against the wind
(Against the wind) I’m still runnin’
(Against the wind)
I’m still runnin’ against the wind
(Against the wind) still runnin’
(Against the wind)runnin’ against the wind, runnin’ against the wind
(Against the wind) see the young man run
(Against the wind) watch the young man run
(Against the wind) watch the young man runnin’
(Against the wind) he’ll be runnin’ against the wind
(Against the wind) let the cowboys ride
(Against the wind) aah
(Against the wind) let the cowboys ride
(Against the wind) they’ll be ridin’ against the wind
(Against the wind) against the wind
(Against the wind) ridin’ against the wind.