He has played and toured with Shovels & Rope, Jonny Corndawg, Caitlin Rose, Houndmouth, Robert Ellis, and Jason Isbell.
Following the success of the 2010 EP Tennessee Time, Coin Records released the 7-inch single “Big Bad Love” in May 2012 and Combs’ debut full-length album, Worried Man, on October 30, 2012. The album was co-produced by Mike Odmark and features guest appearances from Caitlin Rose and Nikki Lane, along with the core band of Jeremy Fetzer, Spencer Cullum, Jr., Michael Rinne, Micah Hulscher, and Jon Radford.
Heart of Wonder
Andrew Combs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have stormed the shore
Dug my fingers in fields of fortune
But never found what I'm looking for
The wind, it whines, through skies of plunder
Follow the signs for the heart of wonder
Cursed my bended knees
Quoted many knowing minds
Lines I've read, but I've yet to believe
Words, they numb this pain and hunger
But nothing cures my heart of wonder
What moves in the long limbed grasses
What shadows the spirit catches
What will be waiting when we're gone
I have heard heaven's marching song
Sung it, word for word
Chased the blood of angel tongue
Strained my lungs, all to be heard
Still I hear it in the distant thunder
Just out of reach for the heart of wonder
The lyrics of "Heart of Wonder" by Andrew Combs evoke the feeling of someone who has been searching far and wide for something they cannot quite put into words. The singer has traveled through vast landscapes, dug into fields of fortune, held onto holy beliefs, and even tried to find solace in lines uttered by "knowing minds." But despite all of these efforts, they still cannot pinpoint what it is they are looking for. The wind howls and the singer follows the signs, but they don't know where they will end up or if they will ever find what they are searching for.
The second verse expands on this existential search as the singer wonders about the mysteries of the world - what moves in the long limbed grasses, what shadows the spirit catches, and what will be waiting when they're gone. The singer has even heard heaven's marching song and chased the blood of angel tongue, but still, they feel like something is missing. The final line of the song, "Just out of reach for the heart of wonder," sums up this feeling of elusive longing.
Overall, "Heart of Wonder" is a poignant meditation on the human search for meaning and fulfillment. The lyrics are open-ended enough to allow each listener to interpret the song in their own way, but the overall sense of yearning and restlessness is palpable.
Line by Line Meaning
I have run through the valley
I have gone through hard times and struggles.
I have stormed the shore
I have encountered many obstacles and challenges.
Dug my fingers in fields of fortune
I have searched for happiness and success.
But never found what I'm looking for
Unfortunately, I have not found the answer I was seeking.
The wind, it whines, through skies of plunder
The wind whistles through the sky causing disturbance and chaos.
Follow the signs for the heart of wonder
I must search for the true meaning of life.
I have held holy close to my heart
I have cherished religious beliefs.
Cursed my bended knees
I have prayed and pleaded for answers.
Quoted many knowing minds
I have drawn ideas and inspiration from wise people.
Lines I've read, but I've yet to believe
Although I have read those words, I cannot bring myself to believe them.
Words, they numb this pain and hunger
Words have the power to help me forget about my pain and desires.
But nothing cures my heart of wonder
Still, no answer satisfies my curiosity about life.
What moves in the long limbed grasses
What natural forces cause movement in the grass.
What shadows the spirit catches
Inspirational moments that make us question ourselves.
What will be waiting when we're gone
What will be left at the end of our time on earth.
I have heard heaven's marching song
I have heard religious songs and hymns.
Sung it, word for word
I have memorized and sang those songs in their entirety.
Chased the blood of angel tongue
I have searched for deeper answers and messages from religious leaders.
Strained my lungs, all to be heard
I have tried my hardest to get my message out.
Still I hear it in the distant thunder
I sense something is out there, but I cannot grasp it yet.
Just out of reach for the heart of wonder
The answer to my questions is still out of reach.
Writer(s): Andrew Combs
Contributed by Savannah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Roma Club Matera
Amazing!
Steve Britt
WOW! This guys good!
Darren Lamb
Fantastic tune! Thank you, Aaron Lee Tasjan for the recommendation via Facebook!