Not Enough
Bryan Rice Lyrics


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There's something wrong with the world
Something wrong that defies mere words
None of the adjectives I know
Are adequate to show the pain
Love's still in need of love today
I watch TV, I watch my street
But the peace in my backyard is bittersweet
I take responsibility
I contradict the things I see
But I'm inheriting a past that's on repeat
I can keep on hoping
It's not enough
I can say I'm sorry
It's not enough
Cause if I can't get up & practice what I preach
It's not enough, it's just not enough
I'm judging you but I do it too
It's easy to be a hero in your living room
A little goes a long way
Act locally, love globally
If each one teach one, that would be
More than enough for me
I can keep on hoping
It's not enough
I can say I'm sorry
It's not enough
Cause if I can't get up & practice what I preach
It's not enough, it's just not enough
What can I do, when can I start
How can I change?
Who can I love, where can I lead
What can I change?
What can I say, how can I help
How can I change?




How can I change? How can I change?
Chorus x 3

Overall Meaning

Bryan Rice's song "Not Enough" is a reflective piece about the singer's inner turmoil over the state of the world. The first few lines of the song indicate that the singer is trying to find the words to describe what's happening in the world, but he can't seem to convey the depth of the pain and suffering he sees. He then goes on to express that even though he tries to make a difference, he feels helpless and powerless in the face of inherited problems that seem to keep repeating.


The chorus repeats the phrase "It's not enough," which is a clear indication that the singer feels that his efforts to make a difference are insufficient. He acknowledges that he can keep hoping and apologizing, but unless he takes action, it won't be enough. The song goes on to suggest that while it's essential to love globally, one can only act locally, and that little effort can go a long way. The song ends with the singer questioning how he can start making changes in the world and how he can lead others to do the same.


Overall, the song's message is one of frustration and a desire to make a difference in the world. It acknowledges that the world's problems are immense, and it can be tough to find the right words to describe them. Still, it encourages listeners to take responsibility for their actions and do what they can to create positive change.


Line by Line Meaning

There's something wrong with the world
The world has a problem that can't be easily explained


Something wrong that defies mere words
The problem is so complex that words can't fully describe it


None of the adjectives I know
The singer is unable to find the right words to describe the problem


Are adequate to show the pain
The pain caused by the problem is beyond words


Love's still in need of love today
Love is still lacking in the world despite its importance


I watch TV, I watch my street
The singer is observing the world around them through media and in person


But the peace in my backyard is bittersweet
While the singer is safe in their own space, they are aware of the larger problems in the world that hinder true peace


I take responsibility
The artist acknowledges that they have a role to play in addressing the world's problems


I contradict the things I see
The artist is aware of their own shortcomings and contradictions


But I'm inheriting a past that's on repeat
The artist recognizes that history often repeats itself and they are part of a larger cycle


I can keep on hoping
The singer holds onto hope despite the challenges they face


It's not enough
Hope alone is not sufficient to solve the world's problems


I can say I'm sorry
Apologizing is a start but not enough


Cause if I can't get up & practice what I preach
Actions speak louder than words, and merely preaching without action is not enough


I'm judging you but I do it too
The singer recognizes their own tendency to judge others despite their own faults


It's easy to be a hero in your living room
It's easy to talk about making a difference without actually doing anything


A little goes a long way
Small actions can have a big impact


Act locally, love globally
Making a difference in your own community can help to address global issues


If each one teach one, that would be more than enough for me
If everyone shares knowledge and works together, progress can be made


What can I do, when can I start
The artist is eager to take action towards making a difference


How can I change?
The artist wants to know how they can personally make a difference


Who can I love, where can I lead
The artist wants to know who they can help and where they can make a difference


What can I change?
The singer is ready and willing to make a change


What can I say, how can I help
The artist wants to know what they can do and say to make a positive impact


Chorus x 3
Repeats the central message that hope and apologies are not enough to make positive change, action is necessary




Contributed by Adalyn Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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