Most Of The Time
Ani DiFranco Lyrics
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Most of the time I can keep both feet on the ground
I can follow the path, I can read the sign
I can stay right with it, and the road unwinds
I can handle whatever I stumble upon
I don't even notice that she's gone
Most of the time
Most of the time I wouldn't change it if I could
I can make it all match up, I can hold my own
I can deal with the situation right down to the bone
I can survive and I can endure
And I don't even think about her
Most of the time
Most of the time my head is on straight
Most of the time I'm strong enough not to hate
I don't build up illusion 'til it makes me sick
I ain't afraid of confusion no matter how thick
I can smile in the face of mankind
Don't even remember what her lips felt like on mine
Most of the time
Most of the time she ain't even in my mind
I wouldn't know her if I saw her, she's that far behind
Most of the time I can't even be sure
If she was ever with me or if I was ever with her
Most of the time I'm halfways content
Most of the time I know exactly where it all went
I don't cheat on myself, I don't run and hide
Hide from the feelings that I buried inside
I don't compromise and I don't pretend
I don't even care if I ever see her again
Most of the time
Most of the Time, written and performed by Ani DiFranco, is a song about moving on after a failed relationship. In the first verse, the singer asserts their ability to move forward and stay focused, even after the end of a relationship. They don't seem too concerned with the fact that their former partner is gone, and they claim to be able to handle anything that comes their way. The repeated refrain of "most of the time" indicates that the singer isn't always this strong, but they are usually able to keep things together.
The second verse is about acceptance of the situation. The singer proclaims that they understand what happened and wouldn't change it if they could. They are able to deal with most situations and can "survive and endure" without thinking about their former partner. The third verse asserts the singer's mental and emotional stability. They claim to be strong enough not to hate their former partner, nor do they build up false hopes and dreams about getting back together. They are confident in their ability to deal with whatever comes their way, even if they don't always remember the details of their former relationship.
In conclusion, "Most of the Time" is a song about resilience, moving on, and accepting the past. It expresses the idea that the singer can handle life's challenges alone and doesn't need a romantic relationship to find fulfillment. While the lyrics are somewhat melancholic, they also speak to an inner strength and sense of independence that many listeners may find inspiring.
Line by Line Meaning
Most of the time I'm clear focused all around
I am usually very well focused and aware of my surroundings
Most of the time I can keep both feet on the ground
I am usually very grounded and able to stay rational
I can follow the path, I can read the sign
I am able to follow directions and stay on track
I can stay right with it, and the road unwinds
I am able to stay on track and things usually work out for me
I can handle whatever I stumble upon
I am very capable and able to handle any situation
I don't even notice that she's gone
I am so focused on other things that I don't even realize my ex-partner is not with me anymore
Most of the time it's well understood
Most of the time things are clear and make sense to me
Most of the time I wouldn't change it if I could
I am content with my life as it is most of the time
I can make it all match up, I can hold my own
I am able to make sense of things and take care of myself
I can deal with the situation right down to the bone
I am able to handle situations even when they are difficult
I can survive and I can endure
I am very resilient and able to get through tough times
And I don't even think about her
I am able to move past my ex-partner and not dwell on the past
Most of the time my head is on straight
I am usually thinking rationally and able to make good decisions
Most of the time I'm strong enough not to hate
I am usually able to stay calm and not let negative emotions consume me
I don't build up illusion 'til it makes me sick
I don't create fake scenarios or hold onto false hope - it would only hurt me more
I ain't afraid of confusion no matter how thick
I am not afraid of feeling lost or confused because I trust that I can overcome it
I can smile in the face of mankind
I am not jaded or bitter and can still find joy in life
Don't even remember what her lips felt like on mine
I have moved on and do not dwell on memories from my past relationship
Most of the time she ain't even in my mind
I am not usually thinking about my ex-partner
I wouldn't know her if I saw her, she's that far behind
It has been so long since I have seen my ex-partner that I don't think I would even recognize her
Most of the time I can't even be sure
I am not always certain if the memories of my ex-partner are accurate
If she was ever with me or if I was ever with her
I am unsure of the true nature of my past relationship
Most of the time I'm halfways content
I am usually partially content with my life
Most of the time I know exactly where it all went
I am usually able to understand how I got to where I am in life
I don't cheat on myself, I don't run and hide
I am honest with myself and do not try to avoid my emotions or challenges
Hide from the feelings that I buried inside
I am not running away from the emotions and feelings that I have repressed
I don't compromise and I don't pretend
I do not settle or pretend to be someone I am not
I don't even care if I ever see her again
I do not have any strong feelings towards seeing my ex-partner again
Most of the time
Overall, I am content with my life and do not dwell on the past
Contributed by Alyssa P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
subsonicdeathmonkey
Ani plays the guitar like it is a natural extension of her body. Righteous!
Paxie Lysiak
Thanks for posting! I had recorded this entire concert on audio tape 10+ years ago off of I think rollingstone (it was originally on some other site that Rolling Stone purchased. Rolling Stone had the link for a bit, but killed it). I lost the tape sometime ago. A few months ago, i was thinking about a lost love, and I JUST HAD TO HEAR this cover of Most of Time. I searched and searched and found it on last.fm. What a bonus to have the woody cover now. Beautiful.
Isis Music Entertainment
Love the rhythm she gets on the guitar
Lady J in Lotus Pose Rodriguez
OH M GOD! Thank you SOOOOO MUCH. I have been in love with this for so long and I never thought I'd find live footage of it! Never take this down!
beachdog67
Came for "Most of the Time". Stayed for the most amazing arrangement of "Dough re: Me" I've ever heard. Thanks!
Frank DiCristofano
Nice versions of both songs.
Belinda Royal
oh man, i am australian and bought a little bootleg cassette in 1999 in boston when i was backpacking with this on it and LOVED it ever since, i didnt know i could see visual! THANKSYOU! this is like my childhood!
Wendy Peterson
So good
Florida Salon
WE LOVE YOU ANI!
bellabean
right! mm-hmmm. more than ever in the 2020s, when it seems some times, other than live music that falls in ones lap here n there, it feels harder and harder to find really good, original music!? (or in this case- really good original style and funk in covering other artists ;)