Briston Lee Maroney is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist from K… Read Full Bio ↴Briston Lee Maroney is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Knoxville, Tennessee who is signed to Canvasback Music and Atlantic Records. He has released two EPs through the labels, including his most recent collection, "Sunflower” which was partially released and the full album was released April 9, 2021.

Briston Maroney largely grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. In August 2013, at age 15, Maroney tried out for the 13th season of American Idol at one of its audition bus stops in Knoxville. He was then selected to audition in front of the American Idol judges in Salt Lake City. There, he sang a version of The Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" on an episode that aired in January 2014. The judges voted to advance him to Hollywood, where he became one of 30 semi-finalists. Maroney did not advance beyond that point.

Bottle Rocket
Briston Maroney Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well, what were the odds?
I never wished to be something I'm not
It seems I forgot
The closed door isn't always locked

And all my life, waiting for a little spark
And all my time, circling around the dark
It's a pretty good place to start

Come to find I'm the one that will decide my life
It just takes a little time
It's a bottle rocket
It's a bottle rocket

Turn back to the shelf
Reading every letter I wish I wrote myself
So get in the car
All this talk, it only gets you so far

And all my life, waiting for a little spark
I decide, circling around the dark
Is a pretty good place to start

Come to find I'm the one that will decide my life
It just takes a little time
It's a bottle rocket
It's a bottle rocket

Stop yourself from starting this over
Stop yourself from starting
Stop yourself from starting this over
Only stop yourself

Come to find I'm the one that will decide my life
It just takes a little time
It's a bottle rocket
It's a bottle rocket

It's a bottle rocket
It's a bottle rocket

Overall Meaning

In the song Bottle Rocket by Briston Maroney, the lyrics explore themes of self-discovery, individuality, and taking control of one's own life. The opening lines "Well, what were the odds? I never wished to be something I'm not" suggest a feeling of not fitting in and wanting to be oneself. The next line "It seems I forgot, the closed door isn't always locked" can be interpreted as a revelation that there are opportunities and possibilities available if one is willing to look for them.

Throughout the song, the singer reflects on waiting for a "little spark" in their life, but realizing that they are the one who will decide their own future. The metaphor of a "bottle rocket" suggests that one's potential may be explosive and powerful, but it takes time and effort to ignite it. The repeated line "stop yourself from starting this over" could suggest a fear of falling back into old patterns or a desire to take control and move forward.

Overall, the song seems to encourage listeners to embrace their individuality and take ownership of their lives, rather than waiting for someone else to make things happen for them. The song has a hopeful and optimistic tone, suggesting that with a little bit of time and effort, anyone can ignite their own potential and soar.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, what were the odds?
Expressing surprise at the current situation

I never wished to be something I'm not
Not interested in pretending or being someone else

It seems I forgot
Forgot the important things in life

The closed door isn't always locked
Opportunities can arise from unexpected sources

And all my life, waiting for a little spark
Waiting for something to ignite and inspire

And all my time, circling around the dark
Feeling stuck and unable to find a way out

It's a pretty good place to start
Acknowledging that starting from a difficult place can be beneficial

Come to find I'm the one that will decide my life
Realizing that only he can determine his own path

It just takes a little time
Change doesn't happen overnight

It's a bottle rocket
Metaphor for a small but powerful catalyst for change

Turn back to the shelf
Reflecting on past choices

Reading every letter I wish I wrote myself
Looking back and wishing he could have given his past self advice

So get in the car
Start taking action towards his goals

All this talk, it only gets you so far
Talking about change is not enough, action is required

Stop yourself from starting this over
Resisting the temptation to give up and start again

Only stop yourself
Recognizing that the only barrier to success is himself

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Briston Maroney, John Andrew Hull, Robert McDowell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS