and musicianship have been showcased in numerous projects over the past several years.
The Pittsburgh native has spent much of the last decade performing his original work,
sharing the stage with James Vincent McMorrow, Emily King, Norah Jones, and Maps & Atlases
among others. Kevin recently released his debut single “Coloring,” signifying a new direction in his work
and showcasing his versatility as a songwriter. “Coloring” earned considerable attention
since its premiere on Pigeons and Planes, having been featured on Spotifyʼs New Music Tuesday list
as well as charting on Spotifyʼs Viral 50 list.
Refuse
Kevin Garrett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It makes my soul stir
Under microscopes
Keep my head in the dirt
Slow crash
Stumble over nothing on my own path
No one over wanted me to go back
I know I am anything but uncouth
People try to change me since my youth
But I refuse
Far away from home
Forgot my address
Mind is still on loan
Keeps me prepossessed
Slow crash
Stumble over nothing on my own path
Runaway, I am just a nomad
No one ever wanted me to go back
I know I am anything but uncouth
People try and change me since my youth
But I refuse
I refuse
The song "Refuse" by Kevin Garrett speaks about the idea of being comfortable with one's self and refusing to conform to societal pressure. The opening lyrics "I'm okay alone, it makes my soul stir" clearly portray an artist who has learned to find peace in solitude and does not seek validation from others. The use of the phrase "Under microscopes, keep my head in the dirt" further highlights the pressure of society to conform and the need to distance oneself from it. Despite this, the artist stumbles "over nothing on my own path" indicating that he has learned to find his own way.
The chorus of the song consists of the phrase "Runaway, I am just a nomad". This phrase symbolizes the artist's desire to escape the constraints of society and conforming to its expectations. The phrase "No one ever wanted me to go back" highlights the fact that the artist has made a conscious decision to not conform for the sake of others. The final lines, "But I refuse", strongly reinforce the artist's determination to stay true to himself.
Overall, "Refuse" is a powerful song that encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and not allow society to dictate their path. It is a song for those who are struggling to find their own voice in the world and who refuse to be defined by the expectations of others.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm okay alone
I'm content with being by myself
It makes my soul stir
Being alone invokes a sense of emotion within me
Under microscopes
Being closely examined and analyzed
Keep my head in the dirt
Avoiding or ignoring the scrutiny and pressure
Slow crash
Gradual breakdown despite appearing stable
Stumble over nothing on my own path
Experiencing obstacles or challenges despite no apparent reason for them
Runaway, I am just a nomad
Unable to stay in one place or commit to anything
No one ever wanted me to go back
Others never encouraged or supported me to return to my past
I know I am anything but uncouth
I am aware that I am not lacking in refinement or culture
People try and change me since my youth
Others have attempted to alter or shape me since a young age
But I refuse
Despite the pressure to change, I am unwilling to do so
Far away from home
Physically or emotionally distant from the place I call home
Forgot my address
Uncertainty or confusion about where I belong
Mind is still on loan
My mentality and state of mind do not feel like my own
Keeps me prepossessed
Being consumed or occupied by something
I refuse
I am determined to maintain my individuality and not conform to others' expectations
Contributed by Kaelyn C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@matilde1611
"Refuse"
I'm okay alone
It makes my soul stir
Under microscopes
Keep my head in the dirt
Slow crash
Stumble over nothing on my own path
Runaway, I am just a nomad
No one ever wanted me to go back
I know I am anything but uncouth
People try to change me since my youth
But I refuse
Far away from home
Forgot my address
Mind is still on loan
Keeps me prepossessed
Slow crash
Stumble over nothing on my own path
Runaway, I am just a nomad
No one ever wanted me to go back
I know I am anything but uncouth
People try to change me since my youth
But I refuse
I refuse
@anitabrown2085
I just heard this song while watching Grey's Anatomy. Something about it just touches me. Beautiful!!!
@vonericgentryii2609
Same here.
@atelycastillo4664
Dude, u listened to this song in middle school... and it got me through so much. I heard it on greys and had immediate flash blacks 😕 it opened memories I completely forgot about
@fridasc4596
Saaame!!
@KevinOGarrett
Thank you for saying hi, hope to see you around x
@ziadorawantan
The song struck a chord in me.. the voice is so mesmerizing
@kalielaura3006
Kevin, can you please just sing me to sleep every night? Your music and your voice - beautiful.
@DanteAppling
+Kalie Laura You must love James Blake, right?
@spittoxic4
Omg his voice is so soulful. He's so amazing
@Naarmmmm
Gotta thank spotify for bringing me here. It was instant love!