Far Away Eyes

The Rolling Stones' song "Far Away Eyes" is a poignant blend of humor, melancholy, and social commentary. The narrative begins with the protagonist driving through Bakersfield on a Sunday morning, listening to gospel music. The preacher's message about always having the Lord by one's side brings a sense of comfort, albeit in a somewhat exaggerated and humorous manner, as the protagonist runs twenty red lights in honor of this divine reassurance. This opening sets the tone for a song that oscillates between earnestness and irony.

The protagonist's journey continues with an arrangement to meet a girl, who he fears might have left with a truck driver due to his tardiness. However, he finds her sitting in a corner, looking worn out and distant, described as having "far away eyes." This imagery of the girl with far away eyes serves as a metaphor for someone who is emotionally detached or lost, yet it also suggests a kind of solace or escape for those who are down on their luck. The repeated advice to find a girl with far away eyes if life feels unbearable underscores a theme of seeking comfort in shared despair.

The song also critiques the commercialization of religion, as the preacher promises that sending ten dollars to the church will result in prayers being said on the radio, making all dreams come true. This satirical take on religious exploitation highlights the desperation of people seeking hope and the lengths they will go to find it. The protagonist's eventual receipt of a prayer and a girl with far away eyes ties back to the central theme of finding solace in unexpected places and people, even when life seems bleak.