"Hawley Alexandra Shoffner can surely be forgiven for tallying up late fees… Read Full Bio ↴"Hawley Alexandra Shoffner can surely be forgiven for tallying up late fees at the local library. Her eloquent songs for piano and ukulele often take inspiration from biographies and historical events, but they’re artfully timeless in their dedication to good melodies and spirited performances. Her articulate piano playing may surprise folks who only know her as the ukulele-toting madam who dispensed the competition in the 2008 Farmer’s Ball. The Wichita native also wields a mean accordion and a temperamental kazoo."

- Lawrence.com

Precious
Hawley Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Smallwood, a joiner, takes carpenter out for a meal
As soon as we dock see the captain to get a better deal
My darkness in mind is concealed
I'm in here alone and unreal
But not anymore
Not anymore

Up above and outside we looked towards the stern of the ship

Weighed up the anchor and then I decided to slip
Land well in middle and row
I'm tired of deceiving my soul
But not anymore
Not anymore

Won't be at this station too long
Took too many journeys alone
But not anymore
Not anymore

I leap the boat clear without paying my bills, I just left here
Precious sight in my eyes as I take the last dive, I shed no tears
I'm taking a guess
This life is a mess

But not anymore
Not anymore

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of the song "Smallwood, a joiner, takes carpenter out for a meal" set the stage for a story that is about to unfold. The lyrics give the impression of a group of people on-board a ship, perhaps sailors or fishermen, who are taking a moment to enjoy a meal together. The phrase "see the captain to get a better deal" suggests that these men are negotiating or trying to work out a better arrangement for their work on the ship. However, despite the seemingly pleasant scene, the next line reveals that the singer's mind is consumed by a darkness that he/she cannot hide.

The following lines, "I'm in here alone and unreal/But not anymore, not anymore" suggest that the singer has struggled with feelings of isolation and disconnection, but he/she is determined to move beyond them. As the song progresses, the lyrics become more abstract and less tied to a particular setting or context. Lines like "I'm tired of deceiving my soul" and "Won't be at this station too long/ Took too many journeys alone" suggest a yearning for something deeper and more meaningful.

The final lines of the song, "I shed no tears/ I'm taking a guess/ This life is a mess/ But not anymore, not anymore" convey a sense of acceptance and resolve. The singer has come to terms with the messiness of life and is ready to move on, unencumbered by regret or a sense of loss.

Line by Line Meaning

Smallwood, a joiner, takes carpenter out for a meal
Smallwood, the joiner, is treating the carpenter to a nice meal; a friendly gesture that the singer takes note of.

As soon as we dock see the captain to get a better deal
Upon arrival, it's suggested to speak with the captain to negotiate a better price, indicating the value of being strategic.

My darkness in mind is concealed
The singer keeps their dark thoughts hidden, even though they may be struggling with inner turmoil and hardship.

I'm in here alone and unreal
The artist feels isolated and disconnected from reality, questioning their existence and purpose.

But not anymore
However, something has changed, and the artist is no longer feeling the same way they used to.

Up above and outside we looked towards the stern of the ship
The singer and someone else observed the back of the ship from a higher perspective, perhaps suggesting an upward shift in their mood or mindset.

Weighed up the anchor and then I decided to slip
After considering their options, the singer made the choice to depart from their current situation and move on.

Land well in middle and row
The artist has landed in the middle and must chart their own path forward to continue on their journey.

I'm tired of deceiving my soul
The artist is weary of living a life that doesn't align with their true values and beliefs.

But not anymore
The artist is making a change and shedding their old ways and patterns to move forward authentically.

Won't be at this station too long
The singer recognizes that their current circumstances are temporary and that they won't be in this place for much longer.

Took too many journeys alone
The artist has a history of traveling solo and venturing out on their own.

But not anymore
Things are different now, and the singer is seeking out new experiences and connections.

I leap the boat clear without paying my bills, I just left here
The singer recalls leaving abruptly and without taking care of their responsibilities, perhaps suggesting a reckless or impulsive nature.

Precious sight in my eyes as I take the last dive, I shed no tears
Despite this, the singer remains present in the moment and sees the beauty in their last moments, even though they aren't sad to be leaving.

I'm taking a guess
The artist isn't sure what the future holds, but they're willing to take a chance.

This life is a mess
The artist recognizes that things are chaotic and confusing, but they're making the best of it.

But not anymore
They're moving forward with a newfound sense of purpose and direction.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RICHARD WILLIS HAWLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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