Harvell's band creates a unique sound anchored by guitarist John Howland, who primarily plays weissenborn-style lap steel a la Ben Harper, and drummer Mike Stevens, who keeps a tight groove, whether it's polished pop, airy folk or dub-country. Not unlike songwriters in the vein of Willie Nelson or Emmylou Harris, Harvell has a knack for subtle genre shifts, while always radiating that classic American flavor, with a little southern charm.
Focus
Cyndi Harvell Lyrics
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The shots are fired
Last one around
loses for life
Don't lose your focus
Don't lose your footing
Keep your head up
If you can't win it, what are you good for?
What are you good for?
I'll never know what's wrong
You're always telling me what's wrong
Why do I have to be so strong?
Why do I have to be so strong?
Aren't we on the same side
Better watch your step
I'd better keep it on my feet
Better keep your eyes wide
looking on the bright side
Get up, get up, get up, get up
I'm slowing down
My feet are tired
No one around
No one in sight
I'm out of breath
I'm out of steam
Somebody help me
If I can't win it, what am I good for?
What am I good for?
I'll never know what's wrong
You're always telling me what's wrong
Why do I have to be so strong?
Why do I have to be so strong?
Aren't we on the same side
Better watch your step
I'd better keep it on my feet
Better keep your eyes wide
looking on the bright side
Get up, get up, get up, get up
Don't lose your focus...
Don't lose your footing...
Keep your eyes wide...
Get up, get up, get up, get up...
Aren't we on the same side
Better watch your step
I'd better keep it on my feet
Better keep your eyes wide
looking on the bright side
Get up, get up, get up, get up
The lyrics of Cyndi Harvell’s song ‘Focus’ deals with the theme of perseverance and determination in life. The lines, “Don't lose your focus, Don't lose your footing, Keep your head up, Got to prove it” indicate the importance of staying focused and not giving up in the face of adversity. Harvell seems to suggest that the only way to achieve success in life is by constantly striving for it.
The lines, “If you can't win it, what are you good for? What are you good for?” project a sense of desperation, where the singer is questioning their own worth in case they fail. However, amidst all the chaos, the singer remains determined and asks for help in order to keep going. The lines, “Somebody help me, If I can't win it, what am I good for? What am I good for?” indicate the vulnerability of the singer and their need for support.
Overall, ‘Focus’ is a song that touches the core of the human experience. It highlights the struggle to remain resilient in the face of challenges, while at the same time acknowledging the need for community and support to get through it all.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear the sound
The sound of guns being fired can be heard, signifying a battle or competition.
The shots are fired
Gunshots can be heard, continuing the battle or competition.
Last one around
Whoever is the last to finish or complete the challenge loses.
loses for life
The person who loses will suffer consequences or loss in life.
Don't lose your focus
Stay attentive and concentrated on the task at hand.
Don't lose your footing
Maintain steady ground and balance to avoid falling or losing the challenge.
Keep your head up
Maintain a positive attitude even when things get difficult or challenging.
Got to prove it
The person must show their skills or capabilities in order to succeed and win the competition.
If you can't win it, what are you good for?
The question is posed to the individual who cannot succeed. What is their value or purpose if they cannot win or succeed?
I'll never know what's wrong
The individual cannot understand what the other person is finding fault with.
You're always telling me what's wrong
The other person is constantly pointing out the individual's faults or mistakes.
Why do I have to be so strong?
The individual is questioning why they have to be the one who remains strong and resilient in the face of adversity.
Aren't we on the same side
The individual questions if they and the other person are working towards the same goal or objective.
Better watch your step
Be careful and aware of one's actions and surroundings to avoid mistakes or failure.
I'd better keep it on my feet
The individual needs to remain standing and not lose balance.
Better keep your eyes wide
Remain alert and aware of the situation and surroundings to avoid failure.
looking on the bright side
Maintain a positive outlook and see the positive aspects of the situation.
Get up, get up, get up, get up
The individual needs to keep going and not give up.
I'm slowing down
The individual is becoming tired and losing momentum.
My feet are tired
The individual's feet are feeling fatigued from standing or moving too long.
No one around
The individual is alone and without support.
No one in sight
There is no help or relief in the near future.
I'm out of breath
The individual is panting due to fatigue, exertion, or anxiety.
I'm out of steam
The individual is depleted of energy and cannot continue.
Somebody help me
The individual needs assistance or support in order to complete the challenge.
Don't lose your focus...
The repetition of this line reinforces the importance of staying focused on the task at hand.
Keep your eyes wide...
The repetition of this line reinforces the importance of being vigilant and alert to avoid failure.
Aren't we on the same side
The repetition of this line questions whether both individuals are working towards the same goals or objectives.
Get up, get up, get up, get up
The repetition of this line urges the individual to keep going and not give up.
Contributed by Kaelyn K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.