Over The Hills And Far Away

Gary Moore's song 'Over The Hills And Far Away' tells a poignant story of love, betrayal, and wrongful imprisonment. The narrative begins with the protagonist being arrested on a winter's night, accused of a robbery he did not commit. Despite his innocence, he is bound and taken to the station house, where he realizes that without an alibi, he is doomed to lose his freedom. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his despair as he faces the grim reality of a ten-year prison sentence.

The song delves deeper into the protagonist's emotional turmoil, revealing that on the night of the alleged crime, he was with the wife of his best friend. This secret, which he cannot reveal, seals his fate. The lyrics capture his inner conflict and the heavy price he pays for his silence. His heartache is palpable as he reflects on his final night of freedom, spent in the arms of a forbidden love. The recurring refrain 'Over the hills and far away' symbolizes both the physical distance of his imprisonment and the emotional chasm between him and his lover.

Throughout his imprisonment, the protagonist clings to hope, reading letters from his lover and dreaming of the day he will taste freedom again. The song's chorus, repeated with slight variations, underscores the unwavering hope and faith that both he and his lover hold onto. They believe that, just as rivers reach the sea, they will be reunited one day. The song's haunting melody and evocative lyrics create a powerful narrative of love enduring against all odds, even in the face of grave injustice.