Performing Songwriter calls Hutchinson, "...A master of introspective ballads filled with understated yearning and an exquisite sense of metaphor." The twenty-six year old describes her style as "lyric-based, folk-pop, with a whole lot of small town idealism and one devastating break up thrown in for good measure." Among her influences she is quick to include poet Mary Oliver along with the likes of David Grey, Patty Griffin, Greg Brown and Shawn Colvin. Her songs are characterized by a weathered but unselfconscious optimism, a love of language and of the natural world. Having grown up in a town of 5,000 people, "just outside the National Historic District," her songs possess all the charm of Lake Wobegon, tempered by a sweet and timeless voice.
Come Up Full
Meg Hutchinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Clear evenings and stars and stars and stars
You bring me words when I need them
And none when I don't, none when I don't
Sea heather and sea glass down the winding road to the lighthouse
And the bells on the buoys ring and ring and ring
Across the harbor in the morning
Through our windows at night
Just when you swear it off those nets are gonna
Come up full
Salt on our skin, wind in our hair
Sun on our shoulders everywhere
Blue of the water and the humming humming humming
Of the men in the morning, checking their catch
So go...
At night the fire replaces the sun
Just as one good dream's replaced by another one
The feel of you when I turn in the dark
All the little pebbles gone from my heart
I'll keep the red on my right, the green the green the green
On my left this evening just as you said
So go
The lyrics of Meg Hutchinson's song Come Up Full are a poetic tribute to the natural beauty and simple pleasures of coastal living. The opening lines of the song describe a collection of seaside treasures - rose hips, starfish, periwinkles, and stones - that conjure a sense of wonder and reverence for the ocean's natural bounty. The song's chorus speaks to the unpredictability of life, urging the listener to embrace the unexpected and go with the flow - even when it leads us back to the same familiar places.
Throughout the song, Hutchinson paints vivid scenes of everyday life by the sea, from clear evenings under a starry sky to the sound of bells ringing in the harbor. She sings of the scent of sea heather and the colorful hues of sea glass, as well as the hum of fishermen checking their catch at dawn. These details create a rich and immersive environment that transports the listener to the song's coastal setting.
Overall, Come Up Full is a song about finding beauty in the natural world and joy in the simple things. It encourages us to embrace the ebb and flow of life, and to appreciate the little moments of wonder that bring us comfort and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Rose hips starfish periwinkles and stones
The small and beautiful things in nature that are often overlooked.
Clear evenings and stars and stars and stars
The serenity of a clear night sky filled with stars.
You bring me words when I need them
The comfort and solace that can come from a loved one's supportive words.
And none when I don't, none when I don't
The understanding that sometimes silence can be better than words.
Sea heather and sea glass down the winding road to the lighthouse
The beauty and mystery of the sea and the things it brings to shore.
And the bells on the buoys ring and ring and ring
The constant reminder of the ever-changing tides and the importance of staying aware.
Across the harbor in the morning
The hope and promise of a new day.
Through our windows at night
The cozy and comfortable feeling of home.
So go drag your boat to the water
Encouragement to take action, to pursue one's goals and dreams.
Just when you swear it off those nets are gonna
The recognition that even when we think we've given up, unexpected successes may still come our way.
Come up full
A metaphor for abundance, for receiving all that life has to offer.
Salt on our skin, wind in our hair
The freedom and joy of living in the moment and appreciating the world around us.
Sun on our shoulders everywhere
The warmth and comfort of being in a happy and supportive relationship.
Blue of the water and the humming humming humming
The beauty and music of the natural world.
Of the men in the morning, checking their catch
The work and diligence required to make a living and provide for oneself and others.
At night the fire replaces the sun
The shift from the bright and active energies of daytime to the warm and calming energies of nighttime.
Just as one good dream's replaced by another one
The idea that life is constantly moving forward, bringing new opportunities and experiences.
The feel of you when I turn in the dark
The comfort and security of being with a loved one.
All the little pebbles gone from my heart
The relief and release that comes from being at peace with oneself and one's life.
I'll keep the red on my right, the green the green the green
Following the guidance and wisdom of a loved one and trusting in their direction and support.
On my left this evening just as you said
The importance of communication and keeping one's word in a healthy relationship.
So go
A final reminder to stay proactive, to take action and pursue one's dreams with determination and courage.
Contributed by Amelia E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
jubjub2112
Excellent song! I think she has exactly the same guitar I own!! A Martin DC-16 RGTE with a cut away and Aurora Pickup . . . I think I can comfortably say she does this guitar more justice than I do! Love Martins!! This gal can sing!
Jonah Ramu Cohen
I love your beautiful song Meg! Best wishes from an old schoolmate.
gurlsingerfan
"Just when you swear it off, those nets are gonna' come up full again, their gonna' come up full." What a happy thought, a wonderful coastal allegory, a prayer and a toast for everyone....I hope your nets come up full. Such a wonderful song.
robocoptickmusick
i studied with her brilliant father at simon's rock. it's no surprise to me that she vibrates at such a high frequency.
jinjeett
Ridiculously good!
CDT1987
great voice, and song ,mezmerized my ears
JAMES JENKINS
I can't wait to see her in concert. She will play colse to home some time soon.
Todd Burge
dig it
Robert Seaman
Meg: I can't wait to see you Mark Erelli on the 23d in Eddie's Attic If you could, please sing "Of the Magi" from your Winterbloom CD. GAKnight
glen kepic
Just heard of Meg 2 days ago (Thx, KZSU).
I'm a fan.