Sarver was born in Sulphur, Louisiana and graduated from Sulphur High School. He is married to Tiffany Sarver, and has two children, Makenna and Grayson. He has written over 890 songs for himself since the age of 14, and has also been singing since he was an adolescent. Prior to American Idol, Sarver worked as a roughneck on an oil rig.
Sarver auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol in Phoenix, Arizona. During the first semi-finals week, he was able to garner enough votes to allow him to continue, beating fellow contestant Anoop Desai for the third spot by just over 20,000 votes. He was eliminated on March 26, 2009, after the panel of judges were unable to unanimously agree to save him. As Sarver was in the top 10, he was able to perform on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2009. Reflecting on his experience on Idol, Sarver said his family thought Cowell behaved "like a jerk" but was entitled to his own opinion.
On October 31 Sarver revealed he has been signed to Dream Records/Universal Music Group. Sarver said he will be releasing a country album in 2010. He will also be joining "Idol" alums Gina Glocksen, David Hernandez and Alexis Grace on the American Stars In Concert Tour this winter. Sarver also sung his first single "You Are" at the Dream Center. His Myspace page later revealed he signed to Dream Records/Fontana Distribution Michael has also become the official spokesperson for Credit Power Educational Foundation, Inc Sarver has since released a new official single titled "Ferris Wheel" and shot a music video for it as well, and will be Sarver's first real single being pushed to country radio.
Watch Me
Michael Sarver Lyrics
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This small-town boy doesn't have a prayer
That big old world is gonna eat you alive
But I say, you don't tell me who I can be
I think I've got a good handle on me
My dreams stretch far beyond the county line
Ain't nobody gonna hold me down
And if I fall flat on my face, watch me get up
Watch me fight, watch me bleed
In spite of everything they say that I can't be
Watch me
I was born with red dirt on my hands
The only life I've lived is a working mans
And I know that nothing comes easy in life
But in my heart I believe that it's my time
So if they tell you dreams don't come true
Just look them in the eye
Watch me fly, watch me run
And if I fall flat on my face, watch me get up
Watch me fight; watch me believe
In spite of everything they say that I can't be
Watch me
The lyrics to Michael Sarver's "Watch Me" are all about perseverance and determination in the face of naysayers and doubters. Sarver's "small-town boy" background is referenced in the opening lines, as he sings about how people have told him he'll never make it out of his town, and that the larger world will defeat him. However, he refuses to be limited by others' expectations, and instead declares that his "dreams stretch far beyond the county line" and that he won't let anyone hold him back.
The chorus serves as a call to action to anyone who might be listening. Sarver boldly declares: "Watch me fly, watch me run / And if I fall flat on my face, watch me get up / Watch me fight, watch me bleed / In spite of everything they say that I can't be / Watch me." These lines are an anthem for anyone who's ever been told they're not good enough or smart enough or talented enough - Sarver is saying that he's not going to let anyone else dictate his life or his dreams.
As the song progresses, Sarver also makes reference to his own background and the hard work he's put in to get where he is. He sings about being born with "red dirt on [his] hands," and how his only experience has been as a "working man." Despite the fact that he acknowledges that "nothing comes easy in life," he maintains that he believes it's his time to succeed.
Line by Line Meaning
They say that I'll never go nowhere
People don't think I'll ever leave this small town and achieve success.
This small-town boy doesn't have a prayer
Others believe that I have no chance of succeeding because I come from a small town.
That big old world is gonna eat you alive
People believe that the world outside of this small town will be too tough for me.
But I say, you don't tell me who I can be
I refuse to let others determine my destiny or limit my potential.
I think I've got a good handle on me
I feel confident in my abilities and know who I am as a person.
My dreams stretch far beyond the county line
I have big dreams that go beyond the confines of this small town.
Ain't nobody gonna hold me down
No one is going to prevent me from achieving my dreams.
Watch me fly, watch me run
Observe me as I soar and sprint toward my goals.
And if I fall flat on my face, watch me get up
Even if I fail, I will persevere and get back up on my feet.
Watch me fight, watch me bleed
Watch me struggle and endure pain in my pursuit of success.
In spite of everything they say that I can't be
Despite those who doubt me and say I can't succeed, I will still push forward.
I was born with red dirt on my hands
I come from a rural, blue-collar background.
The only life I've lived is a working mans
I have experience only in hard work and dedication.
And I know that nothing comes easy in life
I understand that success requires effort and perseverance.
But in my heart I believe that it's my time
I have faith that this is my moment to achieve my dreams.
So if they tell you dreams don't come true
If someone discourages you from pursuing your dreams.
Just look them in the eye
Confidently meet their gaze and continue to pursue your dreams.
Watch me
Observe me as I refuse to let anyone hold me back from achieving my dreams.
Contributed by Bentley Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.