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).
Maybe
Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have stood by the ocean, never learned to turn the tide.
Didn't need to join the circus, or hop a roller coaster ride.
I can't afford to spend any more time out of mind.
Maybe we're not supposed to try everything.
Maybe we're lost in what we want, not what we need.
Everything is never enough,
Maybe we're not supposed to try everything.
The ironies of life hurt so hard sometimes it makes me laugh.
And sometimes the real thing is better than the photograph.
Hellos and goodbyes and so longs and don't cries remind me of what I lack.
All the expectations have become a burden hanging on my back.
Maybe we're not supposed to try everything.
Maybe we're lost in what we want, not what we need.
Everything is never enough,
Takes you away from what you love.
Maybe we're not supposed to try everything.
Tomorrow will always be a mystery
Another run at trouble, a chance to be free
Maybe we're not supposed to try everything.
Maybe we're lost in what we want, not what we need.
Everything is never enough,
Takes you away from what you love.
Maybe we're not supposed to try everything.
The song Maybe by Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors reflects on the idea that sometimes we try to do everything, preoccupied with what we want rather than what we need. The opening lyrics highlight a sense of resignation and acceptance that there are some things that we may never accomplish or achieve. The image of the mountain that the singer will never climb could be a metaphor for an unattainable goal or a dream that will always remain out of reach. The sea that the singer has stood by and never learned to turn the tide might signify a missed opportunity or the inability to change a situation. Similarly, the line about not needing to join a circus or go on a roller coaster ride suggests that the singer is content with a simpler life and does not feel like they are missing out on anything by not engaging in those activities.
However, the chorus suggests that perhaps it is not necessary to try everything in life. The repetition of the line "maybe we're not supposed to try everything" suggests a questioning of society's pressure to constantly be striving for more. The next line, "maybe we're lost in what we want, not what we need" alludes to the idea that we might be chasing after things that don't actually bring us true happiness or fulfillment. The final line of the chorus, "everything is never enough, takes you away from what you love", is a poignant reminder that sometimes the pursuit of more can actually distance us from what we truly care about.
The bridge of the song addresses the complexities of life and its ironies. The concept that the real thing is sometimes better than a photograph could be interpreted as a reminder to appreciate the present moment rather than always striving for something better. The lines about hellos, goodbyes, and don't cries convey a sense of loss and longing. The final line of the bridge, "all the expectations have become a burden hanging on my back", suggests that societal expectations can weigh us down and make it difficult to find genuine happiness.
Overall, the song Maybe by Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors is an introspective and reflective meditation on the idea that perhaps it is not necessary to try everything in life, and that sometimes society's expectations can cause us to lose sight of what truly brings us joy and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
I have seen a mountain that I know I'll never climb.
I have set my eyes on goals that I don't fully understand and might never be able to achieve.
I have stood by the ocean, never learned to turn the tide.
I have witnessed the grandeur and power of nature, but never really understood how to harness it for my benefit.
Didn't need to join the circus, or hop a roller coaster ride.
I don't feel the need to indulge in extreme experiences just for the sake of adventure.
I can't afford to spend any more time out of mind.
I need to stay grounded in reality and not let myself get lost in distractions or fantasies.
Maybe we're not supposed to try everything.
Perhaps it's not necessary or even healthy to attempt every possible experience or opportunity that comes our way.
Maybe we're lost in what we want, not what we need.
We are often distracted by our desires and overlook the things that truly fulfill us.
Everything is never enough,
No matter how much we have, there is always a sense of lacking or dissatisfaction.
Takes you away from what you love.
Focusing on acquiring or achieving more can often lead us astray from the things that truly bring us joy and fulfillment.
The ironies of life hurt so hard sometimes it makes me laugh.
Life can be paradoxical and cruel, yet the absurdity can be so overwhelming that it becomes humorous.
And sometimes the real thing is better than the photograph.
Experiencing something in person can often be more meaningful and impactful than simply observing it from a distance.
Hellos and goodbyes and so longs and don't cries remind me of what I lack.
Saying goodbye to people or experiences can highlight what is missing in our lives and create a sense of longing.
All the expectations have become a burden hanging on my back.
The pressure to achieve or live up to certain expectations can be suffocating and limit our growth and happiness.
Tomorrow will always be a mystery
The future is always unknown and unpredictable.
Another run at trouble, a chance to be free
Facing difficulties can be an opportunity for growth and liberation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DREW HOLCOMB, NATALIE NICOLE HEMBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind