Jim Cain
Callahan Bill Lyrics
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How much of a tree bends in the wind
I started telling the story without knowing the end
I used to be darker, then I got lighter, then I got dark again
Something to be seen was passing over and over me
Well it seemed like the routine case at first
With the death of the shadow came a lightness of verse
And I woke myself until I'm frazzled
I ended up in search of ordinary things
Like how can a wave possibly be?
I started running, and the concrete turned to sand
I started running, and things didn't pan out as planned
In case things go poorly and I not return
Remember the good things I've done
In case things go poorly and I not return
Remember the good things I've done
Done me in
The song Jim Cain by Callahan Bill is a reflection on life's journey and the search for meaning in ordinary things. The opening lines establish this theme as Callahan sings, "I started out in search of ordinary things, how much of a tree bends in the wind." Here, he describes his desire to find meaning in the simple, everyday occurrences around him. He then goes on to say that he began telling the story even though he did not know the ending, highlighting the uncertainty that often accompanies the search for meaning.
The second verse of the song is more introspective and discusses the different phases of his life, represented by his changing emotional states. Callahan sings, "I used to be darker, then I got lighter, then I got dark again." This shows the cyclical nature of life and how one can experience both positive and negative emotions. The line "something to be seen was passing over and over me" hints at some external force influencing his emotions.
The final verse of the song sees Callahan once again searching for meaning in ordinary things, this time through his physical actions. He begins running and notes that the concrete turns to sand, highlighting the idea that the world around us can change in unexpected ways. The song's last lines serve as a reminder to focus on the good things someone has done in case things go "poorly," suggesting that life is unpredictable and one must make the most of the time they have.
Overall, the song Jim Cain is a thoughtful reflection on life and the search for meaning in the ordinary. It touches on themes of uncertainty, emotional cycles, and the unpredictability of the world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
I started out in search of ordinary things
I started looking for simple, everyday things in life
How much of a tree bends in the wind
I wondered how much a tree can withstand in the wind
I started telling the story without knowing the end
I began narrating my life story without knowing how it will unfold
I used to be darker, then I got lighter, then I got dark again
I experienced ups and downs in life, going through phases of joy and sadness
Something to be seen was passing over and over me
I felt that something was happening which I couldn't fully grasp
Well it seemed like the routine case at first
It appeared like a simple, ordinary situation initially
With the death of the shadow came a lightness of verse
After facing a challenging situation, I found inspiration and ease in writing poetry
But the darkest of nights, in truth, still dazzles
Even the toughest times can be enlightening and beautiful
And I woke myself until I'm frazzled
I pushed myself until exhaustion trying to find meaning in life
I ended up in search of ordinary things
Eventually, I resumed searching for simple, everyday things in life
Like how can a wave possibly be?
I questioned the mystery of the power and beauty of waves
I started running, and the concrete turned to sand
I had a transformative experience while running, feeling a sense of liberation
I started running, and things didn't pan out as planned
Even though I tried to make things happen, they didn't turn out as intended
In case things go poorly and I not return
If something happens to me and I don't come back
Remember the good things I've done
Recall the positive impact I had on others and the world
In case things go poorly and I not return
If something happens to me and I don't come back
Remember the good things I've done
Done me in
Thinking of all the positive things I've accomplished can be overwhelming and exhausting
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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