Albums:
Return of the Frog Queen (1996)
The End Sessions (1996)
World Waits (2006)
The Missing Link (2007)
OK Bear (2009)
Ghosts (2017)
Dare A Smile
Jeremy Enigk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm outta style
Worry rested on my head
Heaven, Hell, the Lords of my redemption
I am drained of all of my hope
Eyes gone red
Voice half dead
I need something new to keep me going
By the lake, kicking feet on the slope
All half read
The words half said
Politicians fill my head
Seven tears of Lords steal my devotion
Am I safe?
Kicking feet on this rope, oh no
Can I run back to you?
The lyrics to Jeremy Enigk’s song “Dare a Smile” express a sense of emotional exhaustion and confusion felt by the singer. The opening lines, “Dare a smile, I’m outta style,” indicate a feeling of being disconnected or out of touch with the world around them. The singer expresses that worry is weighing on their head, possibly representing a sense of feeling overwhelmed by negative emotions or stressful situations. The mention of Heaven, Hell, and the Lords of redemption suggests that the singer may be grappling with questions of faith or spiritual identity, adding another layer to their struggles.
The second verse further emphasizes the singer’s emotional state, with the mention of their eyes being red and their voice being half dead, indicating physical symptoms of stress or exhaustion. The lyrics mention worries about things that can’t be controlled, potentially indicating a feeling of being trapped or powerless in some aspect of the singer’s life. The singer expresses a need for something new to keep them going, suggesting a desire for change or a fresh start. The mention of a lake and kicking feet on the slope is reminiscent of carefree childhood moments, potentially indicating a longing for a simpler time or a desire to escape from adult responsibilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Dare a smile
Encourage me to find happiness and joy
I'm outta style
I am not trendy or fashionable
Worry rested on my head
I am anxious and troubled
Heaven, Hell, the Lords of my redemption
I am questioning the nature of good and evil and seeking salvation
I am drained of all my hope
I am lacking in optimism and positivity
Eyes gone red
My eyes are tired and strained
Voice half dead
My voice is weak and lacking energy
Worry of things I can't control
I am concerned about events or circumstances beyond my control
I need something new to keep me going
I require a fresh source of motivation
By the lake, kicking feet on the slope
I am enjoying the solitude and peace of a natural environment
All half read
I have not fully comprehended or absorbed what I have read
The words half said
The spoken communication has been insufficient or incomplete
Politicians fill my head
I am overwhelmed by the influence and messages of politicians
Seven tears of Lords steal my devotion
I am questioning faith and the authority of religious figures
Am I safe?
I am unsure of my security or wellbeing
Kicking feet on this rope, oh no
I am struggling to maintain my balance and stability
Can I run back to you?
I am seeking comfort and companionship
Contributed by Evan V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.