Mark Erelli (born 1975) is an American folk singer/songwriter from Reading,… Read Full Bio ↴Mark Erelli (born 1975) is an American folk singer/songwriter from Reading, Massachusetts now living in Portland, Maine. His album, Hope & Other Casualties, is a collection of folk and Americana songs with stylistic arrangements, including "The Only Way", written in response to the September 11, 2001 attack and covered by Ellis Paul and Vance Gilbert.

On "Compass & Companion", Mark partnered with Kelly Willis for the title song.

He regularly tours in support of Kris Delmhorst, Lori McKenna and Catie Curtis, playing acoustic and electric guitar.

Mark has worked with producer Lorne Entress exclusively and co-produced "Hillbilly Pilgrim" and "Hope & Other Casualties'.

Undone
Mark Erelli Lyrics

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Trouble come falling from the pure blue sky
Went down to the well but the well was dry
Wasn't nothing but a bucket and a hole in the ground
I pitched myself like a penny thrown
But my wish just echoed off of cold gray stone
Wasn't even enough water left to drown

I'm too weary to believe

A change is gonna come
Shelter me or leave me here
To wither in the sun
Undone, undone

I tried to give more than I took
I heard the word and I read the book
And I listened close for to hear my savior call
But as the lightning flashed and the thunder broke
I couldn't help but wonder if I missed the joke
Did you prop me up just to watch me fall?

I'm too weary to believe
A change is gonna come
Shelter me or leave me here
To wither in the sun
Undone

I'm too weary to believe
A change is gonna come
Shelter or forsake me here

Like your only son
Undone, undone, undone, undone

Overall Meaning

In Mark Erelli's song "Undone," the singer expresses his frustration and exhaustion with life. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who has faced trouble and disappointment, seeking solace in a dry well. He contemplates whether he has missed the point of life, questioning whether he was just set up to fail. Despite his efforts to be a good person, he feels worn out and defeated, wondering if he will ever experience a change or if he will continue to wither in the sun, undone.

The repetition of the phrase "I'm too weary to believe" highlights the immense exhaustion the singer feels. He is drained by life's hardships, and his faith is wavering. He feels like he has done everything right, but still, things haven't gone as planned. The emptiness of the well and the lack of water to drown encapsulate the futility and hopelessness he feels. The imagery of the lightning and the thunder creates a sense of chaos and confusion, emphasizing his disillusionment.

Overall, "Undone" is a poignant and introspective song that captures the essence of life's struggles.

Line by Line Meaning

Trouble come falling from the pure blue sky
Unexpected problems arose suddenly

Went down to the well but the well was dry
Sought a solution but it was unavailable

Wasn't nothing but a bucket and a hole in the ground
Resources were slim to none

I pitched myself like a penny thrown
Put forth effort with hope

But my wish just echoed off of cold gray stone
Received no response or results

Wasn't even enough water left to drown
Things were so bad, there was not even a drastic escape

I'm too weary to believe A change is gonna come
Has lost hope that things will improve

Shelter me or leave me here To wither in the sun Undone, undone
Requesting protection or a way out from difficult circumstances

I tried to give more than I took
Made an effort to be selfless

I heard the word and I read the book And I listened close for to hear my savior call
Relied on religion for guidance