Andrews picked up a guitar for the first time when she was 19; armed with only three chords, she had all she needed to create deep and soulful songs with lonesome melodies and haunting lyrics.
In 2003, Andrews teamed up with Sam Quinn to create The Everybodyfields—it was an undeniable musical union. And the face of Tennessee’s roots music would never be the same. The Everybodyfields played Bonnaroo and Floydfest, honkytonks, bars, and theaters from coast to coast. Paste Magazine listed them in their “Best of What’s Next” issue in September 2008, saying that they “straddle old and new, bitter and sweet, desperation and transcendence with an arresting command.” Andrews took that arresting command into her solo project.
Cut and Run
Jill Andrews Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
more than i will miss
more than i will miss
the way it was
the way it was
the way it was
when I'm passing by
when I'm passing by
and you dont see me
or the way it was
the way it was
you can tell
all your friends
you can tell
all your friends
that I just cut and run
when it got too tough
that I just cut and run
when I had enough
and its just like me
to walk away so early
and there are always things you can't forget
words that pull you down
words that pull you down
and leave regret
for the way it was
the way it was
In Jill Andrews's song Cut and Run, she sings about moving on from a situation that wasn't working out for her. The opening lines, "I will nurse the dreams in my head / more than I will miss / the way it was," suggest that she is focused on her own hopes and ambitions rather than dwelling on what has been lost. She acknowledges that there were good moments in the past ("the way it was, the way it was"), but ultimately she needs to prioritize her own growth and happiness.
The second verse brings up a specific person that she has seen ("your smile on the street / when I'm passing by"), but who doesn't see her in return. This seems to parallel the larger theme of moving on from a past relationship or situation. The repetition of "the way it was" emphasizes the idea that what has happened in the past is now over and done.
In the chorus, Andrews addresses the idea that others may see her as someone who "cut and run" when things got tough. She doesn't deny this characterization, but rather accepts it and takes ownership of it ("And it's just like me / to walk away so early"). There is a sense of self-awareness here, as she recognizes her tendencies and accepts that others may judge her for them.
The final lines of the song ("there are always things you can't forget / words that pull you down / and leave regret / for the way it was") suggest that even though Andrews has moved on, there are still painful memories and regrets that linger. However, the overall tone of the song is one of forward movement and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
I will nurse the dreams in my head
I will hold onto my dreams more dearly than I will long for the past.
more than i will miss
I will miss the past, but I will cherish my dreams more.
the way it was
The past, before it changed.
and I have seen your smile on the street
I have caught a glimpse of your smile as we pass each other in the street,
when I'm passing by
As I pass you by.
and you dont see me
You're unaware of my presence.
you can tell
Feel free to inform
all your friends
All of those who know you.
that I just cut and run
That I left rather suddenly,
when it got too tough
When the situation became too difficult to handle.
when I had enough
When I reached my breaking point.
and its just like me
It is typical of me
to walk away so early
To leave a situation prematurely.
and there are always things you can't forget
There are always memories that remain ingrained.
words that pull you down
Negative comments that drag you down.
and leave regret
Cause feelings of remorse.
for the way it was
For the past seem how it once was.
Contributed by Andrew N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Meredith Eason
I'm trying to see all the chords. I would love if you posted chord sheets for your songs. I have been learning them by watching and listening for years. :) love your music !
CalicoCupcakes
I love this song. This is the song that made me first find you (I think I shazam'd it on a tv show or American Idol or something). I just got your new album and I love it. Make more videos please!
cafezen
Amaziing! watching for live dates I can hit from wisconsin. Jill is fantastic, buy her latest music!
Tatatataria Tatatataria
Como assim o mundo tem que te conhecer o.o você é muito talentosa porque tão poucos likes :( fã brasileira aqui moça 😏👀😍🐱❤💝😮😱😌❤
carlwinslo
God i love your voice and song writing style. I have learned Aeroplane, Lonely Anywhere and your cover of Lucinda Williams "something about what happens when we talk. I would love to cover some of your stuff. You just dont get to hear music alot like yours and the EF's anymore
James Traynor
Fire 🔥🔥🔥
Todd Lawrence
I was actually there. 🎶