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The Avett Brothers — Head Full Of Doubt - Road Full Of Promise
Album: I And Love And You
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2439








Released: 2009
Length: 4:37
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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There's a darkness upon me that's flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what's wrong and what's right
And it comes in black and it comes in white
And I'm frightened by those who don't see it

When nothing is owed, deserved or expected
And your life doesn't change by the man that's elected
If you're loved by someone you're never rejected
Decide what to be and go be it.

There was a dream
One day I could see it
Like a bird in a cage I broke in and demanded that somebody free it
And there was a kid, with a head full of doubt
So I scream til I die or the last of those bad thoughts are finally out

There's a darkness upon you that's flooded in light
In the fine print they tell you what's wrong and what's right
And it flies by day and it flies by night
And I'm frightened by those who don't see it
Comments (201)add comment
For all the naysayers of this song... read the lyrics carefully. Read between the lines. If you know of someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, then they might have meaning for you. 
Posted 1 year ago by TC1    [ Reply ]
I like the wise lyriks, in my opinion.
Posted 1 year ago by Pitjes    [ Reply ]
Oh wow.. all the negativity..  watched a documentary on these guys..  I enjoyed it thoroughly.. you know guys, we're all " just walking each other home" right?  
Posted 1 year ago by waterwench21    [ Reply ]
easmann wrote:
I'm not frequently moved to comment on bands or songs I don't like but this lot irritates me something fierce.
Lyrics: OK. Melody: Meh. Vocals: Ack. : (

dimar wrote:
Because.....?

Wrong brother(s) kemo-sabe.
Posted 2 years ago by easmann    [ Reply ]
 wilcogirl11 wrote:
very odd song to be so passionately negative about... I mean, it's the first time I've heard it, and though not a great fan, it's not annoying, offensive, boring or anything particularly "bad" - it's a relatively middle of the road "heart-warming" tune that doesn't deserve vitriol. 

Edited to say: I hate this song so much that I keep forgetting I've already rated it low and commented several times about it. Oops. This is not normal for me, I can't think of another song I feel so strongly about.
Came here to find another living soul that feels this way. HATE this song. It feels so, "you all are sheep, you're all so deluded, I'm so aware and you all "scare" me because you aren't as smart and aware as me." The kind of guys that vote third party and look down on everyone else.


Posted 2 years ago by fredphoesh    [ Reply ]
This song gives me visions of a Pub of drunken Irishmen merrily singing this song together.
Posted 3 years ago by jacopo777    [ Reply ]
 bam23 wrote:

I don't like to dismiss songs, but this one seems formulaic. It's almost laid out as a step by step production. Earnest yet shallow. I hope this is not seen as condescending, since those who write songs and perform them are doing this because they believe in the outcome. But, honestly, this particular very popular piece rubs me the way a sharp grater works a piece of ginger. Yep: dinner time.


Edited to say: I hate this song so much that I keep forgetting I've already rated it low and commented several times about it. Oops. This is not normal for me, I can't think of another song I feel so strongly about.
Came here to find another living soul that feels this way. HATE this song. It feels so, "you all are sheep, you're all so deluded, I'm so aware and you all "scare" me because you aren't as smart and aware as me." The kind of guys that vote third party and look down on everyone else.
Posted 3 years ago by wilcogirl11    [ Reply ]
Unabashedly romantic and vulnerable. Beautifully performed. 
Posted 3 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
An unexamined life is not worth living

.. some Greek dude.
Posted 4 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
people  in my bathroom aren't sure if they like this
Posted 4 years ago by rdavis    [ Reply ]
 AhhtheMusic wrote:
I have been one of those Avett Brothers junkies that goes to Red Rocks every summer to see them.  So glad to hear them on RP.  They have belonged in this league for some time so grateful appreciation for them to be honored in such a manner.  They have an amazing playbook so I hope to see more of their music here soon.
 
Agreed, they are great and the live shows are UNBELIEVABLE.
Posted 4 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:
Like this song better than the Mumford and Sons song played earlier today.  Don't know if its the whirling keyboards, the piano, the voice, the lyric.  Maybe all of it.
 

Because the Mumfords are pretensious and you hear that. A moderator of my fasvorite radio satiom Radioeins called it "Stadium Folk". That's it.
Posted 4 years ago by Freund    [ Reply ]
decide what to be, and go be it.
Posted 4 years ago by jimvanders    [ Reply ]
 testpilot wrote:
"...demanded that somebody free it"?

Well why not you yourself, pal? Don't wanna get your hands dirty?

Everyone is an activist these days...
 
"Everyone is an activist these days..."

Nah, there's a lot more MAGA jerks ... like you?





Posted 5 years ago by radioparadise9    [ Reply ]
One other thing that needs to be shared is that all of the art on their album covers is done by Scott Avett.  Yep.  That too.  :)
Posted 5 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
I have been one of those Avett Brothers junkies that goes to Red Rocks every summer to see them.  So glad to hear them on RP.  They have belonged in this league for some time so grateful appreciation for them to be honored in such a manner.  They have an amazing playbook so I hope to see more of their music here soon.
Posted 5 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
Oh Darn! Where would music be if all popular songs were dismissed Because, they were "popular". An thoughtful message hopefully heard by many people.
Posted 6 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
Aaw shucks, I think my last comment was cruel.

Now that I have had a few beers she sure looks purdy an all.
Posted 6 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
 jbuhl wrote:
Is that Neil Young's not as successful sister on the album cover?

 
What do you mean? She is every bit as good a model as Neil is a singer...
Posted 6 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
 user4176 wrote:
Not sure what it is, but I can't stand this song. Sounds fake and unconvincing, yet somehow full of itself.
 
I don't like to dismiss songs, but this one seems formulaic. It's almost laid out as a step by step production. Earnest yet shallow. I hope this is not seen as condescending, since those who write songs and perform them are doing this because they believe in the outcome. But, honestly, this particular very popular piece rubs me the way a sharp grater works a piece of ginger. Yep: dinner time.
Posted 7 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
Like a giant in a film I broke in and asked if somebody wanted a peanut
Posted 7 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 user4176 wrote:
Not sure what it is, but I can't stand this song. Sounds fake and unconvincing, yet somehow full of itself.
 

Good description.
Posted 7 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Saw the Avett Bros in concert in February and their live rendition of this song was AMAZING. Great band.
Posted 7 years ago by ElKay    [ Reply ]
Is that Neil Young's not as successful sister on the album cover?
Posted 7 years ago by jbuhl    [ Reply ]
Not sure what it is, but I can't stand this song. Sounds fake and unconvincing, yet somehow full of itself.
Posted 7 years ago by user4176    [ Reply ]
 {#Cheesygrin} glad it's not just me... I logged on just to rate this a 1 or 2, then realized I'd already done it.  

dwlangham wrote:
itchy PSD trigger finger. Trying to sit through to the end. oh. my. hurts. so bad.

 


Posted 8 years ago by wilcogirl11    [ Reply ]
 Beans24 wrote:
Boyfriend introduced me to RP this week. We are hidden away enjoying a week at the lake house and have had RP on for the entire time. Avetts are my favorite band of all time ever, and I had just mentioned how I wished they would play Avetts. The very next song they played. I need more Avetts on this station!
 
Actually in a very similar situation with the missus in Czechia {#Laughing}
Don't understand where all the dislike for the Avetts comes from...
Posted 8 years ago by jessesteinen    [ Reply ]
 {#Lol}

dwlangham wrote:
itchy PSD trigger finger. Trying to sit through to the end. oh. my. hurts. so bad.

 

Posted 8 years ago by Diamond_Dog    [ Reply ]
itchy PSD trigger finger. Trying to sit through to the end. oh. my. hurts. so bad.
Posted 8 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
"...demanded that somebody free it"?

Well why not you yourself, pal? Don't wanna get your hands dirty?

Everyone is an activist these days...
Posted 8 years ago by testpilot    [ Reply ]
Hate this pretentious song so much that I came to give it a low rating, then saw that I already had done it. 
Posted 8 years ago by wilcogirl11    [ Reply ]
 easmann wrote:
I'm not frequently moved to comment on bands or songs I don't like but this lot irritates me something fierce.
Lyrics: OK. Melody: Meh. Vocals: Ack. : (

 
Because.....?
Posted 8 years ago by dimar    [ Reply ]
Never thought of this as folk. Just plain like it. The lyrics are brilliant. So applicable to so much ...

There's a darkness upon me that's flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what's wrong and what's right
And it comes in black and it comes in white
And I'm frightened by those who don't see it

When nothing is owed, deserved or expected
And your life doesn't change by the man that's elected
If you're loved by someone you're never rejected
Decide what to be and go be it.

There was a dream
One day I could see it
Like a bird in a cage I broke in and demanded that somebody free it
And there was a kid, with a head full of doubt
So I scream til I die or the last of those bad thoughts are finally out

There's a darkness upon you that's flooded in light
In the fine print they tell you what's wrong and what's right
And it flies by day and it flies by night
And I'm frightened by those who don't see it

Brilliant.
Posted 8 years ago by onelittlemoose    [ Reply ]
Need more Avetts and maybe som old crow medicine show
Posted 9 years ago by Nae1466    [ Reply ]
Open mic night at The Folk Shack.
Posted 9 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
Need more Avetts!!!!
Posted 9 years ago by Beans24    [ Reply ]
 bravadodon wrote:
Killin me. I love folk, but this is not it.
 
Avett Bros. defy all labels........!!!
Posted 9 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
Killin me. I love folk, but this is not it.
Posted 9 years ago by bravadodon    [ Reply ]
Great follow up to J. Browne's The Pretender!
Posted 9 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
Boyfriend introduced me to RP this week. We are hidden away enjoying a week at the lake house and have had RP on for the entire time. Avetts are my favorite band of all time ever, and I had just mentioned how I wished they would play Avetts. The very next song they played. I need more Avetts on this station!
Posted 9 years ago by Beans24    [ Reply ]
 Lauriea wrote:

i must say i agree with your opinion, good song, bad album cover art

 
I think it's actually a very well-executed painting on that cover - skillful use of light and shadow.  Whether or not it makes for a good album cover is another matter.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
So happy my speakers were turned down for this one.
Posted 10 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
I love the avetts, but they always trigger a craving for the nevilles, whom I don't hear much from anymore
Posted 10 years ago by averybadcat    [ Reply ]
Yuck! PSD time, no more Average Brothers please.
Posted 10 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
No....NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Posted 10 years ago by Dosequis    [ Reply ]
Avett Brothers!!! Great song, thanks for playing!
Posted 10 years ago by SusieS    [ Reply ]
I like the Avett Brothers' studio albums better than their live ones.  Seems like the audience takes over on the live productions, and the band tends to overplay/over sing when the audience gets too into it.
Posted 10 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
Check the Avetts  out at Bob Boilen's tiny desk.  Best comment between songs:  "Did you swallow an amplifier?"
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105637364
 
Posted 10 years ago by NCEyeballKid    [ Reply ]
 FrankDebbieCote wrote:
lol; I'm glad I don't sound like that when I've been drinking. 

Love reading the comments section.  
 
How do you know what you sound like when you're drunk?  Got a YouTude or Vimeo?
Posted 10 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
The vocals really are perfect for the lyrics here.  That is the mark (not necessarily the quality of the voice itself), and they hit it.  It is an intangible, so maybe hard to explain. But you feel the right emotions, and you feel them deeply . Yearning.   
Posted 10 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
I'm drunk.  I like this song.  Go to hell.

 
lol; I'm glad I don't sound like that when I've been drinking. 

Love reading the comments section.  
Posted 10 years ago by FrankDebbieCote    [ Reply ]
 stevendejong wrote:
Love this song, and the set it is currently played in...

The Avett Brothers — Head Full Of Doubt 

 
Yep, still this Set. Nice progression though. These guys sound like 'Fun' to me
Posted 10 years ago by MrsTom    [ Reply ]
He cannot sing.
Posted 10 years ago by Honeyko    [ Reply ]
I consider this a great song that expresses American values quite well.   {#Naughty}
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 VV wrote:
Good song... bad album cover art.

 
i must say i agree with your opinion, good song, bad album cover art
Posted 10 years ago by Lauriea    [ Reply ]
Good song... bad album cover art.
Posted 10 years ago by VV    [ Reply ]
 ezzyme wrote:
Trite. Got sick of it about the third time I heard it.

 
It's not your fault.
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Trite. Got sick of it about the third time I heard it.
Posted 10 years ago by ezzyme    [ Reply ]
It fits the Holly eve
Posted 10 years ago by Paradise_999    [ Reply ]
Your thread wasn't lost on me Bill. 
 
Posted 11 years ago by laserace    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
Not bad - but I am not a fan of American COWBOY-ROCK!

 

Me neither.  But what does that have to do with this song?
Posted 11 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Awesome
Posted 11 years ago by Kbng    [ Reply ]
I'm drunk.  I like this song.  Go to hell.
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
At one point the piano made me think that Bill was segueing into "A Day in the Life"
Posted 11 years ago by owchita    [ Reply ]
Ahh hell,.. some dust.. there in my eye.
Thanks man.

 unclehud wrote:

If it's any help, mine did, too, at that age.  Since then, they've graduated from college, gotten good jobs and married women who truly love them.  Oh yeah, I stopped being stupid about the time the turned 24 or 25.

Don't let him doubt that you love him. 

 


Posted 11 years ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
I.and.love.and.you
Do loop
Posted 11 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Overrated band, the album is quite boring. 
Posted 11 years ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
Love this song, and the set it is currently played in...

The Avett Brothers — Head Full Of Doubt 
Posted 11 years ago by stevendejong    [ Reply ]
 sajitjacob wrote:
8 -> 9 because this song reminds me of my Son who is 13, has a head full of doubt and I don't seem able to help.
 
If it's any help, mine did, too, at that age.  Since then, they've graduated from college, gotten good jobs and married women who truly love them.  Oh yeah, I stopped being stupid about the time they turned 24 or 25.

Don't let him doubt that you love him. 
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Perhaps "Decide what you would like to be and try your damnedest to be it, but if it doesn't work out don't beat yourself up because life is difficult enough so just be content that you gave it the old college try and hey you're only human so crack a cold brewski take a deep breath and enjoy life's short but rich pageant" would have been more appropriate, if less succinct, and probably more difficult to set to music.
 
I think Leo Sayer had a single with almost exactly that song title; the B-side was a punk rock version of "Short'nin' Bread" played on the kalimba.
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]

Feels like a beautiful connection between this and "Ripple." Thanks for this combination.


Posted 11 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
 ronbellaz wrote:
I don't how you guys at RP do it ... such wonderful sets ... tunes by groups I've never encountered -- but then I'm a little myopic in that respect -- takes me back to college days at KUNM/FM Albuquerque NM -- as a poor geek newscaster the disc jocks took pitty on me ... 'here, sit down, put these headphone on, listen to this ..."  ... I am so grateful for you folks at RP for replicating that experience ... man, I just know the old folks home is not going to be the same once us children of the 60's get in ... play it lowder!!!

 
Well said ronbellaz...
Posted 11 years ago by Sweet_Virginia    [ Reply ]
I don't how you guys at RP do it ... such wonderful sets ... tunes by groups I've never encountered -- but then I'm a little myopic in that respect -- takes me back to college days at KUNM/FM Albuquerque NM -- as a poor geek newscaster the disc jocks took pitty on me ... 'here, sit down, put these headphone on, listen to this ..."  ... I am so grateful for you folks at RP for replicating that experience ... man, I just know the old folks home is not going to be the same once us children of the 60's get in ... play it lowder!!!
Posted 11 years ago by ronbellaz    [ Reply ]
 I liked bumping into this, thanks very much!
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
 


Posted 11 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 sajitjacob wrote:
8 -> 9 because this song reminds me of my Son who is 13, has a head full of doubt and I don't seem able to help.
 
I know this sounds fucked up, but take him him hunting, fly-fishing, anything that shows him the fine line between life and death without cruelty.....
Posted 11 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
 Keef wrote:
Makes me think of the Presidential Election and all the lies and propaganda out there "I'm frightened by those who don't see it"
 
especially when your life doesn't change by the man who's elected...
Posted 12 years ago by dpvest    [ Reply ]
Makes me think of the Presidential Election and all the lies and propaganda out there "I'm frightened by those who don't see it"

Posted 12 years ago by Keef    [ Reply ]
Not bad - but I am not a fan of American COWBOY-ROCK!
Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
8 -> 9 because this song reminds me of my Son who is 13, has a head full of doubt and I don't seem able to help.
Posted 12 years ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Perhaps "Decide what you would like to be and try your damnedest to be it, but if it doesn't work out don't beat yourself up because life is difficult enough so just be content that you gave it the old college try and hey you're only human so crack a cold brewski take a deep breath and enjoy life's short but rich pageant" would have been more appropriate, if less succinct, and probably more difficult to set to music.

  Well put. Thanks.


Posted 12 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Three plays in the last 30 days? Sure it's not the last 30 hours? Just seems like it, that's all.
Posted 12 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
I almost resisted the urge to say something snarky before hitting PSD. Almost.
Posted 12 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
Just saw these guys in Camden at the xpn festival. Man, these guys know how to entertain. The best show I have been to in years. So much talent and energy. I highly recommend seeing them if you have the opportunity.
Posted 12 years ago by Dancing_banana    [ Reply ]
Great show in Sacramento a couple of weeks ago.  Fortunately they played this excellent song.
Posted 12 years ago by Keef    [ Reply ]

Posted 12 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
 DigitalJer wrote:
moves me every time
 
me too! To the PSD button.
Posted 12 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
I am always tricked into hearing the intro of "A Day in the LIfe" during this song :-)
It's even in the same key...
Posted 12 years ago by Jormad    [ Reply ]
moves me every time
Posted 12 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
Totally stoked that The Avett Brothers are coming back to Sacramento on June 24.  Outdoors at the Radisson.  Guaranteed to be a great time.
Posted 12 years ago by Groogrux69    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Perhaps "Decide what you would like to be and try your damnedest to be it, but if it doesn't work out don't beat yourself up because life is difficult enough so just be content that you gave it the old college try and hey you're only human so crack a cold brewski take a deep breath and enjoy life's short but rich pageant" would have been more appropriate, if less succinct, and probably more difficult to set to music.

 
I needed this today
Posted 12 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]
love this song.
Posted 12 years ago by stockvc    [ Reply ]
 dpvest wrote:
Outstanding song.  should I be frightened by those who don't see it...?
 
 
Yes...They are all around you!
Posted 12 years ago by Groogrux69    [ Reply ]
These guys are awesome go see them live!!!
Posted 12 years ago by willajo    [ Reply ]
Outstanding song.  should I be frightened by those who don't see it...?
 
Posted 12 years ago by dpvest    [ Reply ]
fell in love with this band 2 januarys ago!  great album and awesome live performance! {#Angel}
Posted 13 years ago by zeelandhills    [ Reply ]
There's a darkness upon me that's flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what's wrong and what's right
And it comes in black and it comes in white
And I'm frightened by those that don't see it

When nothing is owed or deserved or expected
And your life doesn't change by the man that's elected
If you're loved by someone, you're never rejected
Decide what to be and go be it

There was a dream and one day I could see it
Like a bird in a cage I broke in and demanded that somebody free it
And there was a kid with a head full of doubt
So I'll scream til I die and the last of those bad thoughts are finally out

There's a darkness upon you that's flooded in light
And in the fine print they tell you what's wrong and what's right
And it flies by day and it flies by night
And I'm frightened by those that don't see it

There was a dream and one day I could see it
Like a bird in a cage I broke in and demanded that somebody free it
And there was a kid with a head full of doubt
So I'll scream til I die and the last of those bad thoughts are finally out

There was a dream and one day I could see it
Like a bird in a cage I broke in and demanded that somebody free it
And there was a kid with a head full of doubt
So I'll scream til I die and the last of those bad thoughts are finally out

There's a darkness upon me that's flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what's wrong and what's right
There's a darkness upon me that's flooded in light
And I'm frightened by those that don't see it


Posted 13 years ago by Groogrux69    [ Reply ]
 zurcronium wrote:
Another stellar set from RP, it is always good but sometimes it just goes to sublime. Like with the last four songs. 
 
Agreed.  And I am frightened by those who don't see it.  
Posted 13 years ago by coyotexxx2    [ Reply ]
 Sjaaks wrote:
The 24th of August i'll see them in the wonderful Paradiso in Amsterdam, really looking forward to that!!
 
Rightous ?

Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
The 24th of August i'll see them in the wonderful Paradiso in Amsterdam, really looking forward to that!!
Posted 13 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
Another stellar set from RP, it is always good but sometimes it just goes to sublime. Like with the last four songs. 
Posted 13 years ago by zurcronium    [ Reply ]
Ugh.
Posted 13 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Would travel endlessly far to see them in person again.  
Consistently high energy and without pretense.
Posted 13 years ago by drcrnp    [ Reply ]
Like this song better than the Mumford and Sons song played earlier today.  Don't know if its the whirling keyboards, the piano, the voice, the lyric.  Maybe all of it.
Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
seeing them in a small venue like The Neighborhood Theater in Charlotte (which is pretty much their hometown) is about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on.They put on just the best live show ever. love the music,the emotion,the energy.
Posted 13 years ago by DD rabbi_phil    [ Reply ]
Love the Avett Bros.  Saw them at the Crest in Sacramento last summer.  Great show.  They really love their audience loves them back.
Posted 13 years ago by Groogrux69    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Perhaps "Decide what you would like to be and try your damnedest to be it, but if it doesn't work out don't beat yourself up because life is difficult enough so just be content that you gave it the old college try and hey you're only human so crack a cold brewski take a deep breath and enjoy life's short but rich pageant" would have been more appropriate, if less succinct, and probably more difficult to set to music.

 
Yes!  Amen!

Posted 13 years ago by jkhandy    [ Reply ]
 zevon wrote:
Decide what to be and go be it.
8 simple words that speak volumes. 
   fredriley wrote:
Not if you want to be, ooh I dunno, a brain surgeon or a nuclear engineer or research physicist. I hate trite aphorisms like this, mainly because the corollary is that, if your life is sh1te, it's your fault entirely. The lyric works in the context of the song, which is a fine song, but it's not a life lesson.
 
Perhaps "Decide what you would like to be and try your damnedest to be it, but if it doesn't work out don't beat yourself up because life is difficult enough so just be content that you gave it the old college try and hey you're only human so crack a cold brewski take a deep breath and enjoy life's short but rich pageant" would have been more appropriate, if less succinct, and probably more difficult to set to music.

Posted 13 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 ScottFromWyoming wrote:

Well there's also the idea that they write a lot of songs that seem to be talking to their own youthful selves from years past.
 
Anyway here's the best Grammys performance in a long time/ever: Mumford & Sons, Avett Brothers and a guy called Bob.
 

 
That was so cool (the Grammy performance). 
Posted 13 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Decide what to be and go be it. {#Sunny}

Edit: Once again, I need to read these threads as I now see there was a previous discussion about this simple bit of wisdom. {#Wave}


Posted 13 years ago by fingerpin    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

Not if you want to be, ooh I dunno, a brain surgeon or a nuclear engineer or research physicist. I hate trite aphorisms like this, mainly because the corollary is that, if your life is sh1te, it's your fault entirely. The lyric works in the context of the song, which is a fine song, but it's not a life lesson.


There isn't a brain surgeon or nuclear physicist out there who didn't have to make the decision to become what they became — in fact, I would argue that in cases where above-average effort is required, the positive decision to be something and the requisite follow-through are all the more crucial.  The line in the song isn't guaranteeing or even promising success — it's saying that the first step to getting where you want to go is committing to the journey.

And ain't nuthin wrong with that.


Posted 13 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
This song is pretty good now that they are not playing it so much!{#Stop} 6 -> 7
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
Not if you want to be, ooh I dunno, a brain surgeon or a nuclear engineer or research physicist. I hate trite aphorisms like this, mainly because the corollary is that, if your life is sh1te, it's your fault entirely. The lyric works in the context of the song, which is a fine song, but it's not a life lesson.
 
Well there's also the idea that they write a lot of songs that seem to be talking to their own youthful selves from years past.
 
Anyway here's the best Grammys performance in a long time/ever: Mumford & Sons, Avett Brothers and a guy called Bob.
 


Posted 13 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
,,and I'm frightend by those that don't see it !  {#Yes}
Posted 13 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
Fell in love with this recently. Great track.
Posted 13 years ago by GuiltyFeat    [ Reply ]
 Carl wrote:
Love this. Midway in there is a set of chords that sound exactly like "A Day in the Life" opening. Interesting (to me). (This may have already been noted, but I'm too lazy to check.)

 
So am I, actually came here to post this. It's funny how I always think it's fading into that awesome song, but then it just keeps on playing. And I'm disappointed. :D

Posted 13 years ago by whcvk    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

Not if you want to be, ooh I dunno, a brain surgeon or a nuclear engineer or research physicist. I hate trite aphorisms like this, mainly because the corollary is that, if your life is sh1te, it's your fault entirely. The lyric works in the context of the song, which is a fine song, but it's not a life lesson.

 
And I agree. It's too easy to say "You're damn wrong, get things right", but you're not a guru just by saying that.

However, these guys do have nice lyrics.

Cheers!
Posted 13 years ago by 5jotas    [ Reply ]
 zevon wrote:
Decide what to be and go be it.

8 simple words that speak volumes. 
 
Not if you want to be, ooh I dunno, a brain surgeon or a nuclear engineer or research physicist. I hate trite aphorisms like this, mainly because the corollary is that, if your life is sh1te, it's your fault entirely. The lyric works in the context of the song, which is a fine song, but it's not a life lesson.

Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 Shouc wrote:


Ditto, pretentious and irritating.

 
Pretentious? Anything but! {#Ask}

Posted 14 years ago by fingerpin    [ Reply ]
 WayUpNorth wrote:
They are on Austin City Limits - worth a look.  They were very powerful live.
 

x2.  It's on the Austin City Limits website for those that missed.

Posted 14 years ago by Seahunt    [ Reply ]
The whole album is great - most songs as insightful as this one.
Posted 14 years ago by Ouachita    [ Reply ]