About the song
Background
- Original Release: “Massachusetts” was originally released in 1967 as a single by the Bee Gees. It quickly became one of their signature hits.
- One For All Tour: This tour was a major comeback for the Bee Gees after a period of relative quiet in the early 1980s. The live performances were energetic and revitalized, and the concerts in Australia were particularly special.
- Nostalgia: The 1989 rendition of “Massachusetts” carries a sense of nostalgia, both for the song’s original era and for the Bee Gees’ long, successful career.
Themes
- Homesickness and Longing: The song’s central theme is the feeling of being far from home and yearning to return. The narrator describes the familiar lights of home fading away as they leave.
- The Immigrant Experience: The song has been interpreted as reflecting the immigrant experience, capturing the bittersweet feelings of leaving one’s homeland for a new life.
- Sense of Place: Massachusetts becomes a symbol of home, comfort, and belonging. The song evokes a specific place as a representation of a deeper emotional connection.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at some key lyrical snippets and their meaning:
- “Feel I’m going back to Massachusetts, something’s telling me I must go home…” This opening sets the core theme: a strong, almost inexplicable pull back to one’s roots.
- “And the lights all went out in Massachusetts, the day I left her standing on the shore…” This image paints the picture of physically moving away from home. The fading lights symbolize the distance growing.
- “Gotta get back to Massachusetts…” This repeated refrain emphasizes the strong desire, almost a need, to return.
Why the song resonates
The Bee Gees’ “Massachusetts” continues to resonate with listeners for several reasons:
- Catchy melody: The song’s simple yet effective melody is instantly recognizable and memorable.
- Relatable theme: Homesickness and longing for a familiar place are universal human emotions that people can easily connect to.
- Powerful Vocals: The Bee Gees’ harmonies, particularly on this live version, are emotionally evocative.
Video
Lyrics
Feel I’m going back
To Massachusetts
Something’s telling me
I must go home
And the lights all went out down in Massachusetts
The day I left
Her standing on her own
Tried to hitch a ride
To San Francisco
Gotta do the things
I wanna do
And the lights all went down in Massachusetts
They brought me back
To see my way with you
Talk about the life
In Massachusetts
Speak about the people
I have seen
And the lights all went down in Massachusetts
And Massachusetts
Is one place I have seen
(I will remember Massachusetts)
I will remember Massachusetts
(I will remember Massachusetts)
I will remember Massachusetts
(I will remember Massachusetts)
I will remember Massachusetts