Josh Ritter (born in Moscow, Idaho on October 21, 1976) is an American sing… Read Full Bio ↴Josh Ritter (born in Moscow, Idaho on October 21, 1976) is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist and author who performs and records with The Royal City Band (as Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band). Ritter is known for his distinctive Americana style and narrative lyrics. In 2006 he was named one of the "100 Greatest Living Songwriters" by Paste magazine.

Born to two neuroscientists, Ritter bought his first guitar from the local K-MART after hearing the Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash classic Girl From The North Country. He started at Oberlin College with the intent to follow in his parents' scientist footsteps, but instead discovered songwriting, and the music of artists like Gillian Welch, Townes Van Zandt, and Leonard Cohen. He graduated and then moved east, favoring its close proximity to historic folk clubs such as "Club Passim" in Boston. On a shoestring budget he recorded his critically acclaimed breakthrough album Golden Age of Radio in 2002 at various tiny, one-room studios on the East Coast. He has continued to grow from there, further developing his sound on subsequent albums.

Josh has recorded several records and E.P.s. In chronological order, they are:

Josh Ritter (Self Titled) (2000)
Golden Age of Radio (2001)
Come and Find Me EP (2003)
Hello Starling (2003)
4 Songs Live E.P. (2005)
The Animal Years (2006)
Girl In The War E.P. (2006)
Good Man E.P. (2006)
In The Dark: Live At Vicar Street (2006)
The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter (2007)
Live at the Record Exchange EP (2008)
So Runs the World Away (2010)
To the Yet Unknowing World (2011)
Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band, Live at The Iveagh Gardens (April 2011)
The Beast In Its Tracks (2013)
Acoustic Live, Vol.1 (2015)
Sermon on the Rocks (2015)

See How Man Was Made
Josh Ritter Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Please, man ain't supposed to live alone
Know that he would he needs
Needs to find a home
With someone else who needs a man
A man who needs a home

Man wasn't made to live alone

Please, you can see how man was made
He was made to need a home
And home is just a place
A place without a man
A man who needs a home

Man wasn't made to live alone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Josh Ritter's song "See How Man Was Made" are a poignant reminder that human beings are not meant to live solitary lives. The first phrase, "Please, man ain't supposed to live alone," establishes the central theme of the song. It implies that every person needs to find a connection with someone else, whether it is a romantic partner, a friend, or a member of their family. The next line, "Know that he would he needs," doubles down on this idea and suggests that we should all recognize that we require companionship to thrive.

The chorus further emphasizes this point, stating that "Man wasn't made to live alone." We are social creatures who crave interaction with others. The lines "He was made to need a home / And home is just a place / A place without a man / A man who needs a home" suggest that "home" is not just a physical space, but a state of being that is dependent on the relationships we build with others. The final repetition of "Man wasn't made to live alone" drives the point home and leaves the listener with a sense of longing for a deeper, more satisfying connection with those around them.

Overall, "See How Man Was Made" is a beautiful testament to the importance of human connection. It reminds us that we are not meant to live isolated, individualistic lives and that we need each other to truly thrive. The lyrics are simple yet profound, and the melody is both catchy and melancholy, making for a powerful combination.

Line by Line Meaning

Please, man ain't supposed to live alone
It is not intended for a man to live independently.

Know that he would he needs
It is apparent that a man requires something.

Needs to find a home
A man should look for a place of comfort and belonging.

With someone else who needs a man
Living with someone who relies on a man's presence is desirable.

A man who needs a home
A man himself is also in search of a home.

Man wasn't made to live alone
It is innate to human nature not to live in solitude.

Please, you can see how man was made
It is evident that man was created for a specific purpose.

He was made to need a home
The purpose of man is to seek a dwelling place.

And home is just a place
A home is simply a location to reside in.

A place without a man
However, a home is incomplete without the presence of a man.

A man who needs a home
Still, a man is searching for his own haven.