Echoes in Exile: A Lament for What Could Have Been | Separate Ways | Journey

"Separate Ways" is a poignant ballad by American rock band Journey, released in 1983 on their album "Frontiers". The song tells the story of two people who are struggling to come to terms with the end of their relationship.

The lyrics, penned by Steve Perry and Kevin Elson, poignantly capture the pain and longing that often follows a breakup. The opening lines, "We both know what memories we've made / And how they still remain," set the tone for a nostalgic reflection on the past. As the song progresses, the narrator grapples with the reality of being apart from their former lover, lamenting the loss of a connection that once felt so strong.

"Time can bring us together, time can drive us apart", Perry's soaring vocals convey the sense of disconnection and heartache that defines this stage in a relationship. The song's chorus, "Separate ways / Separate lives / Separate days / But I still remember", drives home the idea that even as we move on from each other, our memories remain, forever etched in our minds.

Throughout the song, Perry's distinctive vocals soar above the lush instrumentation, which features a prominent piano riff and sweeping guitar solos. The result is a powerful, emotional ballad that has become one of Journey's most beloved and enduring songs. "Separate Ways" remains a timeless classic, continuing to resonate with listeners who have experienced the pain and longing that follows the end of a relationship.