About the Song
Navigating the Wilderness of the Soul: Kris Kristofferson’s “Gettin’ By, High and Strange”
Kris Kristofferson, a name synonymous with raw honesty and poetic storytelling in country music, has never shied away from exploring the darker corners of the human experience. In “Gettin’ By, High and Strange,” a track from his 1972 album Border Lord, he delivers a poignant reflection on life lived on the fringes, a wandering journey marked by both fleeting pleasures and enduring struggles. This isn’t a song for the faint of heart; it’s a gritty, unflinching look at the complexities of a soul grappling with loneliness, transient connections, and the ever-present allure of escape.
Kristofferson, a former Rhodes Scholar and Army captain, possesses a unique ability to weave philosophical depth into seemingly simple narratives. “Gettin’ By, High and Strange” is a prime example of this. The song’s protagonist is a drifter, a restless spirit traversing a landscape both physical and emotional. He finds solace in temporary companionship, seeking refuge in anonymous encounters (“strange” in Kristofferson’s parlance), and numbing the pain of existence with substances (“high“). Yet, beneath the surface of this transient lifestyle lies a profound sense of alienation and the yearning for something more.
The song’s power lies in its unflinching honesty. Kristofferson doesn’t romanticize the protagonist’s choices; instead, he presents them with a raw, almost journalistic detachment. The lyrics are sparse, stripped down to their essence, allowing the listener to fully inhabit the protagonist’s world. Lines like “Livin’ life on the run, from the things that I’ve done” and “Searchin’ for the truth in the bottom of a glass” cut to the core of the human condition, exposing the vulnerabilities we often try to conceal.
Musically, “Gettin’ By, High and Strange” is a masterpiece of understated beauty. Kristofferson’s weathered vocals, accompanied by simple acoustic guitar and subtle touches of steel guitar and harmonica, create an atmosphere of both melancholy and resilience. The song’s slow, deliberate tempo mirrors the protagonist’s weary journey, while the occasional bursts of harmonica offer glimpses of fleeting joy and release.
“Gettin’ By, High and Strange” is not a song that offers easy answers or comforting resolutions. It’s a meditation on the human search for meaning and connection in a world that often feels indifferent. It’s a testament to Kristofferson’s enduring artistry, his ability to capture the essence of life’s complexities in a way that resonates with both the head and the heart. As you listen, prepare to be drawn into the protagonist’s world, to confront the shadows within ourselves, and to contemplate the enduring power of the human spirit to persevere even in the face of adversity.