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.
Pack up Your Sorrows
Meg Hutchinson Lyrics
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Naming the sorrows you′ve seen
Too many bad times, too many sad times
And nobody knows what you mean Ah,
But if somehow you could pack up your sorrows
And give them all to me
You would lose them, I know how to use them
No use rambling, walking in the shadows
Trailing a wandering star
No one beside you, no one to hide you
Nobody knows where you are No use gambling, running in the darkness
Looking for a spirit that's free
Too many wrong times, too many long times
Nobody knows what you see
The lyrics of Meg Hutchinson's song "Pack up Your Sorrows" convey a message of hope and understanding for those who are struggling with their pain and sorrows. The opening lines suggest that it's pointless to talk to strangers and try to explain one's sorrows because no one can truly understand what they mean. The singer acknowledges that there have been too many bad and sad times, but then offers a solution – if the person could give their sorrows to her, she would know how to use them and they would be able to let go of their burden.
The chorus repeats the idea that the singer wants the person to give her their sorrows, promising that she can handle them. The second verse continues the theme of loneliness and feeling lost, with the metaphor of walking in the shadows and trailing a wandering star. The singer suggests that it's no use gambling and searching for a free spirit, because no one can truly escape their sorrows. The final lines serve as a reminder that everyone's pain is unique and that no one truly knows what someone else is seeing or feeling.
Overall, the lyrics of "Pack up Your Sorrows" offer empathy and a sense of commiseration for those who are trying to cope with emotional pain. The message is one of hope – that it's possible to let go of one's sorrows and alleviate the burden by sharing them with someone who understands.
Line by Line Meaning
No use crying, talking to a stranger
It's pointless to express your sadness to someone who doesn't know you well enough to understand it fully.
Naming the sorrows you′ve seen
Expressing your pain through words doesn't make it go away, it simply gives it a name.
Too many bad times, too many sad times
You've been through a lot of difficult moments.
And nobody knows what you mean
Despite expressing your issues, people can't relate to or understand the severity of your pain.
Ah, but if somehow you could pack up your sorrows
If there was a way to contain or remove your pain, that would make things easier for you.
And give them all to me
Give me your pain so that I can help you deal with it.
You would lose them, I know how to use them
I can handle and manage your struggles better than you can on your own.
No use rambling, walking in the shadows
Wandering aimlessly in darkness won't make things better or help you find a solution.
Trailing a wandering star
Following a directionless path isn't productive.
No one beside you, no one to hide you
You're alone and defenseless in your current situation.
Nobody knows where you are
Your current feelings and state of mind are a mystery to others.
No use gambling, running in the darkness
Risking everything blindly won't necessarily improve your situation.
Looking for a spirit that's free
Searching for a sense of freedom won't magically solve your problems.
Too many wrong times, too many long times
You've been through a lot of tough experiences that have taken a toll on you.
Nobody knows what you see
Even if you share your issues with others, they lack the ability to see things the way you do and comprehend your perspective.
Writer(s): Richard Farina, Pauline Marden Bryan
Contributed by Natalie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.