Hope
At The Grove Lyrics

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You do your work the best that you can
you put one foot in front of the other
life comes in waves and makes it's demands
you hold on as well as your able

You've been here for a long long time

Hope has a way of turning it's face to you

just when you least expect it
you walk in a room
you look out a window
and something there leaves you breathless
you say to yourself
it's been a while since I felt this
but it feels like it might be hope

It's hard to recall what blew out the flame
it's been dark since you can remember
you talk it all through to find it a name
as days go on by without number

You've been here for a long long time

Hope has a way of turning it's face to you
just when you least expect it
you walk in a room
you look out a window
and something there leaves you breathless
you say to yourself

it's been a while since I felt this
but it feels like it might be hop

Overall Meaning

At The Grove's song "Hope" paints a vivid picture of the struggles and adversities faced by different characters in a gritty urban landscape. The opening lines introduce Georgie, who is desperately selling heaters on the street to make ends meet. This situation reflects a larger theme of economic hardship and survival, where even meager earnings can only cover basic needs. The mention of Rosie riding shotgun implies that companionship and connection are important amidst the harsh circumstances, and while the air conditioning offers a moment of comfort, the chaotic driving introduces an element of danger and unpredictability in their lives. The lyrics further darken with the mention of a man using an ivory gun, a symbol that evokes a sense of violence and the stark realities of street life. The repeated refrain of "I hope it ain't you" suggests an urgent plea for safety and a desire to avoid becoming a victim of the surrounding chaos, adding a layer of apprehension and fear.

As the narrative unfolds, the song shifts to a broader commentary on societal trust and disillusionment. The storyteller critiques the prevalent culture of lies and greed, noting that what is fed to the public is often cherry-picked and manipulated to fit a certain narrative. This notion of fabrication serves as an indictment against established systems and institutions that should ostensibly support the community. The line “All this shit’s supposed to leave with prayers and love” indicates a yearning for healing and resolution that seems increasingly out of reach. The phrase highlights the disconnect between what is hoped for—unity and support—and the stark realities that persist. The repetition of "I hope it ain't you" grows increasingly desperate, revealing a collective anxiety about responsibility and the possibility of complicity in a broken system.

The song takes a poignant turn when it addresses the disparity between the powerful and the vulnerable. The imagery of men in suits with deep pockets juxtaposed against the weeping mariachi band underscores economic inequality and emotional toll experienced by those at the fringes of society. The wealthy elites remain oblivious or indifferent to the plight of those struggling, reinforcing the theme of a society that privileges profit over compassion. Meanwhile, the mention of the mother of the little ones signifies the desperation faced by families who are running out of time and resources, encapsulating the intense urgency of their situation. This perspective adds a maternal instinct to the narrative, hinting at a need for protection and sustenance for future generations. The refrain “I hope it ain't you” resonates on a personal level, echoing the fears of various characters who may be on the brink of experiencing tragedy or loss.

The repeated emphasis on hope throughout the song reflects a paradox: while the characters navigate a world marked by strife and sorrow, there is a yearning for change and a brighter future. "Hope" becomes a dual-edged sword, embodying both the wish to escape despair and the harsh reality of facing that despair head-on. The closing lines drive the message home, expressing an acknowledgment of truth and recognition of what is happening within society. This realization brings forth a sense of urgency, as the singer implores others to reflect on their roles in this narrative. The persistent repetition of “I hope it ain’t you” becomes not just a mantra of personal concern, but also a call to action, inviting listeners to grapple with their own stakes in the communal struggle for dignity, safety, and ultimately, hope amidst adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

Georgie's selling heaters
Georgie is attempting to make a living by selling portable heaters, indicative of his struggle to find stable work.

Out on the street
He is hustling in a public space, highlighting his vulnerability and the harshness of his current situation.

It ain't a living, but it'll let him eat
While this work is not ideal or sustainable, it is sufficient for him to afford basic necessities like food.

Rosie's riding shotgun
Rosie is accompanying him up front in the vehicle, symbolizing companionship in difficult times.

It's better than the back
Being in the front seat represents a slightly better position in their situation, offering a semblance of control and visibility.

The AC is blowing, but the driver went mad
Although there are small comforts like air conditioning, they are overshadowed by the chaotic and erratic behavior of the person in charge.

A man took 'em out with an ivory gun
An image of violence emerges with a figure using a gun, hinting at danger and the prevalence of crime in their lives.

You can't stop all the shooting
There is a resigned acceptance of the violence surrounding them; it is a part of their reality.

You can't stop all the fun
Despite the dangers, there is a current of reckless enjoyment, possibly suggesting the duality of pleasure and peril.

The river's seen it all from Bobby to the King
The river serves as a silent witness to the lives and stories of those who have come and gone, encompassing all aspects of life from common people to legends.

The clientele's been changing but it's much of the same
While the faces may change, the underlying issues and struggles remain constant, revealing the cyclical nature of hardship.

I hope it ain't you
The repeated plea reflects a deep-seated fear that the listener or someone close to them is facing dire consequences.

Oh no
An expression of dread about the potential reality of suffering that could befall someone.

The story book's been cherrypicked
The narratives we focus on have been selectively chosen, revealing a bias in what stories get told and who gets left out.

For just what we need
This selective storytelling caters to immediate needs, ignoring deeper truths and complexities.

I narrow my eyes at all the lies and the greed
The artist is critical and skeptical of the dishonesty and materialism that permeate their surroundings.

God we've been trusting
There is a sense of disillusionment despite faith or hope placed in a higher power.

But we haven't heard much
Despite this trust, there seems to be a lack of communication or guidance from that higher power.

All this shit's supposed to leave with prayers and love
There is an expectation that issues can be resolved through faith and compassion, yet reality suggests otherwise.

The men in their suits
Figures of authority and wealth, represented by men in suits, symbolize the power dynamics at play in society.

Their pockets are deep
These individuals have significant resources, which contrasts sharply with the struggles of the less fortunate.

While the mariachi band members they try not to weep
Amidst this wealth, the artists, representing culture and community, face sorrow and emotional turmoil.

There's demons inside
People carry inner struggles and traumas that manifest in their lives, indicating psychological battles.

And it ain't their first time
These struggles are not new; they are recurring challenges that individuals face repeatedly.

The mother of the little ones she ain't got too much time
A poignant image of a mother who is likely struggling with her responsibilities and possibly her health, highlighting the fragility of life.

I know it's true
The singer expresses an unwavering awareness of the harsh realities they face.

And I know what you do
There is an intimate knowledge of the actions and behaviors of the listener or someone significant, reinforcing a connection through shared understanding.

Lyrics © MUSIC SERVICES, INC.
Written by: SARA GROVES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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