In 2007, Fighting Gravity, along with Dave Matthews Band, Barenaked Ladies, Guster, and O.A.R., took part in the IZStyle Winter Tour, a series of concerts aimed at raising awareness of alternative and renewable energy sources.
Common Shoes
Fighting Gravity Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm only trying to find a fit
Don't want to stand out in a crowd
I'm counting on my feet where the music is loud
What I like about you
What helps me break through
Is our common shoes
I'm hoping you will see
The subtle mediocrity
The personality below the knee
The key to my identity
I once believe, I could wear them all day
And if they hurt, all I had to do was change
Now I can feel the earth through a growing hole
And now I wish to replace my weary soul
Tripping though my destiny
Companions of my tragedy
Not unusual just part of the norm
I'm holding out for a shoe horn
What I liked about you
What helped me break through
I hate these shoes! Get them off!
The song "Common Shoes" by Fighting Gravity appears to be about finding common ground with others through a shared experience, in this case, footwear. The singer explains that they don't want to stand out in a crowd and are relying on their own two feet to carry them through the music. This suggests a desire to blend in and be part of something bigger than themselves.
The repeated line "What I like about you, what helps me break through, is our common shoes" emphasizes the theme of finding commonalities. The stanza "I'm hoping you will see, the subtle mediocrity, the personality below the knee, the key to my identity" speaks to the idea that the shoes we wear can be revealing about our personalities and identities. The singer seems to be hoping that by sharing this commonality with others, they can connect in a deeper way.
The final stanza begins with a reminiscence about believing they could wear their shoes all day, and if they hurt, they could simply change them. But now, the shoes have worn out and they can feel the earth through a growing hole. This suggests a feeling of weariness and an urge to replace not only the shoes, but perhaps something deeper within themselves. The line "Tripping through my destiny, companions of my tragedy, not unusual just part of the norm" further emphasizes this sense of resignation with their current situation.
Overall, "Common Shoes" seems to be about the human desire for connection and the importance of finding common ground with others, even if it's as seemingly insignificant as the shoes we wear. It also touches on the idea of aging and weariness, and the desire to replace something deeper within oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not relying on my wit
I am not using my intelligence to impress you.
I'm only trying to find a fit
I am just trying to find my place in this world.
Don't want to stand out in a crowd
I don't want to draw attention to myself.
I'm counting on my feet where the music is loud
I am relying on the beat of the music to guide me.
What I like about you
I appreciate something about you.
What helps me break through
This thing about you helps me overcome my struggles.
Is our common shoes
We share a similar experience of wearing shoes.
I'm hoping you will see
I want you to understand.
The subtle mediocrity
The ordinary parts of myself that are not remarkable.
The personality below the knee
My identity is expressed through my choice of footwear.
The key to my identity
My choice of shoes is a crucial aspect of my personality.
I once believed I could wear them all day
I used to think that my shoes were comfortable enough to wear for extended periods.
And if they hurt, all I had to do was change
If my shoes caused pain, I used to think I could just switch to another pair.
Now I can feel the earth through a growing hole
My worn-out shoes have holes, and I can feel the ground beneath my feet.
And now I wish to replace my weary soul
I want to replace my old, tired shoes to improve my comfort and state of mind.
Tripping though my destiny
My path in life is full of obstacles and challenges.
Companions of my tragedy
My worn shoes have been with me through many difficult times.
Not unusual just part of the norm
My shoes' condition is a common experience shared by many people.
I'm holding out for a shoe horn
I am hoping for a tool to help me put on my new shoes.
I hate these shoes! Get them off!
I strongly dislike my old shoes and want to remove them immediately.
Contributed by Kennedy D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.