“Past the Point of Rescue” is a song written by Mick Hanly and recorded by Hal Ketchum. The song was released in 1991 as the lead single from the album of the same name. The song is a mid-tempo ballad that tells the story of a man who is in love with a woman who is beyond his reach.
The First Verse
The first verse of the song sets the scene and introduces the characters. It goes like this:
Well you were (G) wild, (D) once,
you (Am) fought for your (C) freedom and (G) left him to (D) die.
Oh you (G) sat (D) in your (Am) cell,
and (C) you cried like a (G) baby,
well you (D) know that’s a (G) lie.
The verse describes a woman who was once wild and free, but who has since been imprisoned for a crime she did not commit. The man who loves her is helpless to do anything to help her.
The Chorus
The chorus of the song is catchy and memorable. It goes like this:
Past the point of rescue,
far beyond the danger zone.
Where the world is (G) waiting,
I (D) swear I’ll never (C) leave you again.
The chorus expresses the man’s devotion to the woman he loves. He is willing to go to great lengths to be with her, even if it means putting himself in danger.
The Second Verse
The second verse of the song continues the story. It goes like this:
Well you (G) burned (D) all your (Am) bridges,
and you (C) sank all your (G) ships.
And you (G) know it’s (D) your (Am) own damn (C) fault,
that you’re (G) standing in the (D) midst of your (G) own eclipse.
The verse describes the woman’s situation. She has burned all her bridges and has no one to turn to for help. She is alone in her prison cell, and it is her own fault that she is there.
The Bridge
The bridge of the song is short but powerful. It goes like this:
Oh, you (G) thought (D) love was a (Am) gamble,
and you (C) played it to the (G) hilt.
And you (G) rolled the (D) dice on a (Am) runaway (C) train,
and you (G) lost more (D) than you (G) built.
The bridge describes the woman’s attitude towards love. She thought love was a gamble and took a risk on a relationship that ultimately failed, leaving her with nothing.
The Final Chorus
The final chorus of the song is a repeat of the earlier chorus, but with a slight variation. It goes like this:
Past the point of rescue,
far beyond the danger zone.
Where the world is (G) waiting,
I (D) swear I’ll never (C) leave you alone.
The final chorus expresses the man’s commitment to the woman. He will never leave her alone, no matter what happens.
Conclusion
“Past the Point of Rescue” is a beautiful and emotional song that tells a powerful story of love and devotion. The lyrics are simple yet effective, and the melody is catchy and memorable. It is no wonder that the song has become a classic in the country music genre.
