In 2006, Holcomb married his longtime friend and singing partner, Ellie Holcomb (nee Bannister), and relocated to her hometown of Nashville. The rest of the band, guitarist Nathan Dugger, bassist Rich Brinsfield, and drummer Jon Radford also lived in the same East Nashville area, hence the group name.
Their albums include "A Neighborly Christmas" (2007), "Passenger Seat" (2008), "A Million Miles Away" (2009), "Chasing Someday" (2011), "Through the Night: Live in the Studio" (2012), and "Good Light" (2013).
Dragons
Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The ghost of my Grandpa came to me in a dream.
As the stars hung above us, he started singing this chorus.
He laughed loud as heaven and said this to me.
Take a few chances,
A few worthy romances.
Go swimming in the ocean on New Year's day.
Stand up and bear witness.
Go slay all the dragons that stand in your way.
We stayed up and talked until the sunrise, of war and love and sorrow.
He said Stop spending all your money on forgiveness of sins.
Today is all you're promised, don't trouble with tomorrow.
He faded into the forest proudly singing this hymn.
Take a few chances,
A few worthy romances.
Go swimming in the ocean on New Year's day.
Don't listen to the critics.
Stand up and bear witness.
Go slay all the dragons that stand in your way.
I woke up in a fever, surrounded by lightning.
All my windows were open, and I let the rain flood in.
The past felt like present, with a future uncertain,
But I sang like a sparrow, lost in the wind.
Take a few chances,
A few worthy romances.
Go swimming in the ocean on New Year's day.
Don't listen to the critics.
Stand up and bear witness.
Go slay all the dragons that stand in your way.
In this song, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors tell a story about a dream encounter with the singer's deceased grandfather, who imparts wisdom and guidance. The lyrics convey a sense of inspiration and encouragement to live life fully and fearlessly.
The opening verse describes the singer climbing a mountain while in a dream state, where the spirit of their grandfather appears. The presence of the stars above sets a contemplative mood. The grandfather begins singing a chorus, which serves as a metaphorical message to the singer. His laughter is portrayed as heavenly, suggesting a sense of joy and wisdom.
The chorus itself conveys the notion of taking risks and embracing meaningful experiences. "Take a few chances" encourages the singer to not shy away from new opportunities or ventures. "A few worthy romances" suggests the importance of nurturing relationships and connecting with others. "Go swimming in the ocean on New Year's day" symbolizes embracing the unknown and diving into new beginnings. "Don't listen to the critics" emphasizes the importance of not letting others' opinions hold you back. "Stand up and bear witness" suggests being true to oneself and standing up for what is right. "Go slay all the dragons that stand in your way" conveys a message of overcoming obstacles and facing challenges head-on.
As the lyrics continue, the conversation between the singer and their grandfather deepens. They spend the night talking about profound topics such as war, love, and sorrow. The grandfather advises the singer to stop seeking forgiveness for past mistakes, indicating that dwelling on the past is unproductive. He emphasizes living in the present, as tomorrow is uncertain. The grandfather retreats into the forest, proudly singing a hymn, symbolizing his wisdom and the legacy he leaves behind.
The final verse depicts the singer waking from the dream, consumed by an intense feeling, represented by a fever, while lightning and rainstorm surround them. The singer's windows are open, allowing the storm to flood in, suggesting a sense of vulnerability and embracing the chaos. The past feels present, reflecting the idea that memories and experiences shape our current reality. Despite the uncertain future, the singer sings like a sparrow, symbolizing strength and resilience. The repetition of the chorus at the end reinforces the message of embracing life's challenges and pursuing meaningful experiences without worrying about external judgment.
Overall, the lyrics of "Dragons" encourage listeners to be bold, pursue their dreams, embrace new experiences, and overcome obstacles in their path. The song's imagery and storytelling create a sense of inspiration and hope, reminding us to live life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
I was climbing a mountain, asleep in the moonlight,
I was facing a challenging situation, oblivious to the reality.
The ghost of my Grandpa came to me in a dream.
My late Grandpa appeared in my dream as a symbol of wisdom and guidance.
As the stars hung above us, he started singing this chorus.
Under the celestial sky, he began to share his profound advice through a melodic chorus.
He laughed loud as heaven and said this to me.
With great joy comparable to heavenly laughter, he imparted these words to me.
Take a few chances,
A few worthy romances.
Embrace uncertainty and pursue meaningful relationships.
Go swimming in the ocean on New Year's day.
Dive into new experiences and start the year with a bold gesture.
Don't listen to the critics.
Ignore the naysayers and their negative opinions.
Stand up and bear witness.
Assert yourself and be a testimony to your own convictions.
Go slay all the dragons that stand in your way.
Overcome the formidable challenges and obstacles that hinder your progress.
We stayed up and talked until the sunrise, of war and love and sorrow.
We engaged in deep conversations until daybreak, discussing themes of conflict, affection, and sadness.
He said Stop spending all your money on forgiveness of sins.
He advised me to stop wasting resources seeking absolution for mistakes.
Today is all you're promised, don't trouble with tomorrow.
Focus on the present moment since tomorrow's uncertainties should not cause unnecessary concern.
He faded into the forest proudly singing this hymn.
He disappeared into the woodland, still displaying pride while singing this sacred song.
I woke up in a fever, surrounded by lightning.
I awoke in an agitated state, engulfed by a metaphorical storm.
All my windows were open, and I let the rain flood in.
I allowed myself to be vulnerable and exposed, allowing emotions to overflow.
The past felt like present, with a future uncertain,
Past experiences weighed heavily as if they were occurring in the present, while the future remained unpredictable.
But I sang like a sparrow, lost in the wind.
Nevertheless, I expressed myself like a small bird, carried away and disoriented by the wind.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Drew Holcomb, Zachary Ray Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ALex711a
"Perseverance, that's what's important."
My grandfather's last words to me were this, and he said these words to me through the fog of Sundowner's Syndrome. He was not sane at the time, but he saved the best words he could have ever said to me at that time for that exact sentence.
His last words are priceless and have pulled me out of the deep so many times. This song... this song reminds me of what he said, or rather what he meant to say with his last words. Thank you for reminding me of him and his life.
Todd Gaylord
Fantastic. I would like to hear a version with more denim though.
Courageous Chronicler
@Joe Joe Why? Got a fever?
Joe Joe
And more cowbell....
Amps3000
This song my goodness so beautiful ❤️🥰🙌🏻
Sandra Briggs
Simply beautiful ❤️
Leah Hargett
My dog Sully passed away from cancer recently, I would play “Family” for him before I went to bed. He had to sleep in our living room, he used to come upstairs and sleep in our bedroom before he got sick.
White Whisker
I just found the song and I can't stop from playing it ☀️
Louis Howe
Incredible! Beautiful song, love the harmonies!
PanheadWarrior
Such a great song and amazing performance!