2000 Miles

by Pretenders

What is “2000 Miles” really about?

If you’ve ever wondered what “2000 Miles” by Pretenders is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.

2000 Miles' by Pretenders beautifully melds the longing and melancholy experienced during the holidays when separated from loved ones, evoking a deep emotional response through its narrative of physical and emotional distance.

So… what’s this song really about?

In '2000 Miles,' the Pretenders capture the essence of yearning and nostalgia that often accompanies the Christmas season. The song narrates the story of someone who is physically distant—2,000 miles away—from a significant other during a time traditionally spent together. This physical separation exacerbates the emotional impact, heightened by the cold, snowy setting that symbolizes the loneliness and chill of separation. The repeated references to Christmastime and communal singing suggest a contrast between the joyous communal festivities and the personal sorrow of the protagonist, reflecting a common emotional dichotomy during the holiday season. The mention of ongoing celebrations juxtaposed with personal loss invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of absence and presence during significant times. Whether the missing figure is away due to work, personal choices, or even more permanent reasons like death, each listener can find a touchstone in the simplicity yet profound depth of the song’s message. '2000 Miles' manages not only to tell a story but also to universally resonate by tapping into the collective feeling of missing someone dearly during a time of warmth and celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What year was '2000 Miles' by Pretenders released?
'2000 Miles' was released in 1983.

Q: Is '2000 Miles' considered a Christmas song?
Yes, '2000 Miles' is often considered a Christmas song, mainly due to its references to Christmastime and its thematic underpinning of longing during the holiday season.

Lyrics to “2000 Miles”

23 Contributors2000 Miles Lyrics
[Verse 1]
He's gone
2,000 miles
Is very far
The snow is falling down
It's colder day by day
I miss you
[Outro]
I can hear people singing
It must be Christmastime
I hear people singing
It must be Christmastime