Fifteen years from tonight
You have to make a decision
The greatest love of your life
Is gonna call during dinner
From the home of the girl that he's living with now
And the guilt he'll say is killing him
He's wilted in the middle
And he knows how bad he acted
Knows he can't have you back
But the fact is he can't be happy when you're angry
And you're so angry, he says you stayed so mad
And he heard it on the street that
You moved back in with your dad
That you were drinking something awful
And that makes him sad
Then he says it's good to hear your voice again
And that it's hard to ask it
But he's calling with a question
'Cause he's been working real hard
He's trying to make a new start
An honest to God fresh beginning
So maybe you could try to finally find it
In your heart to forgive him

You've already been here before
You already know where it goes
You chose this
You know it's supposed to be over
You've been here before
You already know where it goes
You chose this
You know it's supposed to be over

He hung up the phone
You listened to the dial tone
And you stared at the stove
Until the beeping started
You read some love letters some threats
And some you couldn't tell apart
That you keep under the bed at the apartment
Then you did what he asked you to do
You opened your heart up
Right there on a napkin on the carpet
And part of it was frostbit
But you've always been a smart kid
Could still distinguish
The blood black as pitch
Valves had gone stiff
Veins and scar tissue
Four chambers just a standard issue
But none had room, forgiveness is huge
And you had two full of ice water
One full of salt, one packed with coal
Eager and ready and willing to find fault

You've already been here before
You already know where it goes
You chose this
You know it's supposed to be over
You've been here before
You already know where it goes
You chose this
You know it's supposed to be over

Then with your heart in your lap
And your head in your hands
Suddenly you had a plan
Wrap the mess in newspaper
Headed west on Hennepin
Heavy with a huge favor for a kid that just turned ten
A flat-chested, gap-toothed girl
Was the best that I've been so far
And now I'm too big to forgive him
I need just a moment with me
A moment when I was still little
I used to sing on the roof outside my windowsill
And I came hoping some ghost of me would be here still
And here you are, stick figure and a busted grin
Still ignorant of all the trouble I'ma get us in
Hoping we could trade, just for tonight
Like I could borrow your heart
And I could leave you mine
It's not much for collateral
Tattered and battle-scared
But I can promise you solemn
That I will be back for it tomorrow
I only need yours this evening
So I can call an old friend
And I can tell him
That we're finally even
That we're finally even

You chose this
You know it's supposed to be over
You've (I) been here before
You already know where it goes
You chose this
You know it's supposed to be over

Overall Meaning

In "Mineshaft," Dessa reflects on her past as she contemplates the list of things she used to be, which is longer than her present list of identities. Dessa identifies as an ex-lover, ex-friend, ex-communicated atheist, and ex-patriot who currently lives in the heartland. She considers herself an underrated writer and an overrated rapper with an undecided major on an unrelated matter. Dessa is reflective about the lessons she has learned as she is contemplating the reason behind the tug-o'-war- she has experienced. Despite grabbing roles, she notes that she has only ever really felt like she found herself through writing. Dessa appears to be having an existential crisis when she concludes the song with the line, "Send me back to the bottom of the mineshaft." The lyrics depict someone searching for answers about their identity and where they fit in the world.

Line by Line Meaning

To the bottom of the mineshaft
Going deep into a dark place, both physically and mentally.

The list of things I used to be is longer than the list of things I am
I have changed a lot and left behind many past traits and roles in my life.

Ex-lover, ex-friend Ex-communicated atheist, ex-patriot
I have had many past identities and relationships that have ended or been lost.

Living in the heartland
I am currently residing in a central location.

Living on the small chance Luck would save the last dance
I am living with hope for a rare opportunity or stroke of luck.

For an underrated writer, overrated rapper Undecided major on an unrelated matter
I am uncertain about my creative talents and academic pursuits in life.

One day I'd like to say what all the tug-o'-war was for More than slack rope, more than sun stroke
I hope to one day understand the purposes and meanings behind my past struggles and conflicts.

Them rum soaked in sad jokes at rap shows Some folks know how slow that trap closes, Prose is closest I've ever been to feeling like I found it I'm not a writer I just drink a lot about it
I have witnessed many depressing events and the slow decline of the rap world, but writing is my true passion and outlet for expressing myself.

If diamonds are a girl's best friend Then you can share a fine laugh and you can Send me back to the bottom of the mineshaft
If material possessions are what make people happy, then I will gladly return to my dark place of solitude and creativity.

Snow falls fast and thin Angels ash Virginia Slims And if we've come a long way then I suspect it sideways, further from our origin, No closer to our destination
Time passes quickly and life is fragile, and despite progress, it often feels like we are drifting away from our roots and goals.

I'm bad with names, shit, I'm bad with faces I'm bad with bills and little kids and well-lit places
I struggle with social cues and responsibilities.

I'm beginning to write like Anna Karenina, give me a minute, a mic A little to like, get rid of the spite, a bit of the pride to fight
I am trying to find my authentic voice as a writer and reject feelings of bitterness and self-importance.

You tried, you're right fried (you're live on all lines) You're tired, you're fired You're inside of the lie It's a brilliant design It's like, 'Just act surprised'
You have put in effort, but you are exhausted and fall short of the truth. The world is full of deceitful designs that catch people off guard.

I lost some money on the weighted dice I lost an octave to the Camel Lights And when I lost you, I lost some good love and a hand to bite I lost a friend to my wit and my pride
I have lost money, health, love, and friendships due to various vices and character flaws.

I'd rather sit while you drive
I am content with not having control and allowing others to take the lead.

The plans that we made and the bills and the planes over downtown
I reminisce about past plans and responsibilities, especially related to money and travel.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Dessa Margret Wander, Dustin Edward Kiel, Joey Van Phillips, Kyle Craig Smith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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