Sixth Avenue Heartache

Album: Bringing Down The Horse (1996)
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  • Sirens ring, the shots ring out
    A stranger cries screams out loud
    I had my world strapped against my back
    I held my hands, never knew how to act

    And the same black line that was drawn on you
    Was drawn on me
    And now it's drawn me in
    6th Avenue heartache

    Below me was a homeless man
    Singin' songs I knew complete
    On the steps alone, his guitar in hand
    It's fifty years, stood where he stands

    And the same black line that was drawn on you
    Was drawn on me
    And now it's drawn me in
    6th Avenue heartache

    Now walkin' home on those streets
    The river winds move my feet
    Subway steam, like silhouettes in dreams
    They stood by me, just like moonbeams

    And the same black line that was drawn on you
    Was drawn on me
    And now it's drawn me in
    6th Avenue heartache

    Look out the window, down upon that street
    And gone like a midnight where was that man
    But I see his six strings laid against that wall
    And all his things, they all look so small
    I got my fingers crossed on a shooting star
    Just like me just moved on

    And the same black line that was drawn on you
    Was drawn on me
    And now it's drawn me in
    6th Avenue heartache Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 16

  • T-bone from New HavenAll great songs are subject to interpretation so I'll tell you mine. When this song came out, I was dating a woman who like me was an ex-junkie. We both were certain that the "black line" Jakob was talking about referred to the darkness of addiction we'd been through. While we are no longer together, we both are still alive.
  • Mr Music from In Your HeadThis song has NOTHING to do with Bob Dylan.
  • Bob Dylan Sold His Soul from PittsburghIt is crazy how Bob Dylan admitted in an interview to have sold his soul to Satan. Maybe the dark line is the line of darkness and damnation which occurs when you sell your soul for fame and fortune. Let's hope Jakob did not follow in his father's footsteps in this regard and that he is not talking about a dark line of damnation.
  • Tim from Lakeville, MnGuys: the same black line is a guitar strap. the homeless man is his dad, Bob.
  • Camille from Toronto, OhHeard this song for the first time today, 12/29/11. Was instantly drawn to it. Had arrived at my destination but sat in the car till the song was over, it was that good. Came on Songfacts to find out what the "same black line" was, but I don't see anything here that makes sense. Altho a Google search says it is talking about the lines of written music. Maybe. Regardless, what a great song! Love the delivery of the lyrics.
  • Megan from Stevenson, AlI love The Wallflowers! This whole album is awesome! Love this song too! :)
  • Katende from Kampala, UgandaActually guys, the meaning of this song is right there in the lyrics, it couldn't get better. It is about a man who lived just across the apartment that Jakob live in on the 6th Avenue, New York. This man used to sing songs that Jakob knew. This stranger also used to play them on his guitar. But one day, Jakob woke up and looked thru the window and did not see this man again. He left his things and was "gone like a midnight". What intrigued Jakob Dylan is that he connected so much to this man. He was exactly like him..that's why he sings about the same black line that was drawn on him was also drawn on Jakob. It is a heart break because he never saw this man again. Hope I have helped out.
  • Daniel from Fort Wayne, InI think this song is about Jesus. I know Jakob Dylan is spiritual and when he says "The same black line that was drawn on you, is drawn on me. And that's drawing me in" has to do with the truth. That Christ spoke the truth and people labeled him and people that believe in him have that same line. But the line draws us closer to him.
  • Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnGreat song to listen to when you are feeling blue.
  • Mack from New York, NyI was once told this song was about a woman he met on 6th Avenue. He fell in love with her, got an std, and then she left him for another woman... but that's just a rumor.
  • Frank from Brampton, Ontario, CanadaThis is such a moving and inspirational tune!
  • Alicia from Stonefort, IlThis is my favorite Wallflowers song. Jakob has a way of taking a situation and just telling you the story behind it. The harmonizing vocals are just amazing as well. I don't think that the Wallflowers get the credit that they deserve... the only way to describe their sound is real.
  • Rick from Humboldt, Iawhat an incredible song
  • Jes from Canal Fulton, Ohit's amazing how much he sounds like his dad
    great tune
  • Greg from Paris, MiJakob Dylan said that parts of it were about a homeless man who lived below his apartment and would sit there every day playing the same songs. Then one day he disappeared and his stuff was still there. After a while people started taking it and all, and it served as inspiration for this song.
  • Dave from Sydney, AustraliaThe background vocals in this song are by Adam Duritz from the Counting Crows
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