Nonbeliever
Lucy Dacus Lyrics


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You threw your books into the river
Told your mom that you're a nonbeliever
She says she wasn't surprised but that doesn't make it ok

You say nobody loves a city
Nobody loves what can't love 'em back
One-way ticket in your pocket
What happened to the charm of a small town?

If you find what you're looking for
Be sure to send a postcard
You promised you'd never forget
The little ones when you got big

You deal an unspoken debt
No kindness without wanting something back
What do I owe you? What did I forget?
Or are we even after all of that?

You shook my hand and said goodbye
You'll never let me see you cry again
What good has come from learning to pretend?
You said I could've been a better friend

If you find what you're looking for
Be sure to send a new address
And if you find what you're looking for
Write a letter and tell us what it is, and tell us what it is

Everybody else, everybody else looks like they've figured it out
Everybody else, everybody else looks like they've figured it out




Everybody else, everybody else looks like they've figured it out
Everybody else, everybody else looks like they've figured it out

Overall Meaning

In Lucy Dacus's song "Nonbeliever," the lyrics touch upon themes of disillusionment, leaving behind familiar surroundings, and questioning the meaning and purpose of life. The opening lines, "You threw your books into the river, Told your mom that you're a nonbeliever," suggest a significant act of rebellion and rejection of established beliefs or ideologies. The singer's mother expresses not being surprised but also recognizes that acceptance does not automatically make the situation okay.


The song continues to explore the singer's feelings of detachment from others and the world around them. The lines, "You say nobody loves a city, Nobody loves what can't love 'em back," speak to a sense of isolation and the belief that genuine connections are lacking. The mention of a one-way ticket and the longing for the charm of a small town portray a longing for something simpler and more authentic.


As the song progresses, it delves into the complexities of human interaction and the unspoken expectations that can exist within relationships. The line, "No kindness without wanting something back," suggests that kindness can be transactional, leaving the singer to question what they owe and what they may have forgotten. This introspection leads to a parting of ways and a realization that pretending and putting up a facade may not lead to any genuine growth or happiness.


The lyrics also highlight the experiences of others who appear to have figured life out, emphasizing the singer's feelings of being lost and out of step with the rest of the world. This sense of not belonging and the discontentment with societal expectations resonate throughout the song, ultimately leaving the listener with a reflection on the search for meaning and identity.


Line by Line Meaning

You threw your books into the river
You discarded the knowledge and beliefs that once defined you


Told your mom that you're a nonbeliever
You confessed to your mother that you no longer hold the same faith


She says she wasn't surprised but that doesn't make it ok
She admits she saw it coming, but it still doesn't justify your actions


You say nobody loves a city
You believe that cities lack the capacity to reciprocate love


Nobody loves what can't love 'em back
Love requires mutual affection, and you think it's impossible for cities to provide that


One-way ticket in your pocket
You have a desire to leave everything behind and start anew


What happened to the charm of a small town?
You reflect on the lost allure of a close-knit community


If you find what you're looking for
If you discover the fulfillment you seek


Be sure to send a postcard
Remember to share your experiences with others


You promised you'd never forget
You made a commitment to hold onto memories and connections


The little ones when you got big
The relationships and moments that defined your past


You deal an unspoken debt
You often expect reciprocity for your acts of kindness without vocalizing it


No kindness without wanting something back
You believe that acts of kindness must come with an expectation of return


What do I owe you? What did I forget?
You question what obligations you have and what you may have overlooked


Or are we even after all of that?
You wonder if the balance has been restored between us despite everything


You shook my hand and said goodbye
You bid farewell with a handshake, hiding your emotions


You'll never let me see you cry again
You vowed to never expose your vulnerability to me again


What good has come from learning to pretend?
You question the benefits of concealing your true feelings and pretending


You said I could've been a better friend
You admit that I deserved better from you as a friend


Be sure to send a new address
Inform others of your whereabouts if you find a new place to call home


And if you find what you're looking for
And if you discover the fulfillment you seek


Write a letter and tell us what it is, and tell us what it is
Share your experiences and enlighten us about what you have found


Everybody else, everybody else looks like they've figured it out
Others appear to have found answers and solutions for their lives


Everybody else, everybody else looks like they've figured it out
Others seem to have their lives all sorted out


Everybody else, everybody else looks like they've figured it out
The majority gives off an impression of having everything figured out


Everybody else, everybody else looks like they've figured it out
Most people appear to have found their way in life




Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Lucy Dacus

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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