Nathaniel Rateliff (born Nathaniel David Rateliff on 7 October 1978 in St. … Read Full Bio ↴Nathaniel Rateliff (born Nathaniel David Rateliff on 7 October 1978 in St. Louis, MI) is an American singer and songwriter based in Denver, whose influences are described as folk, Americana and vintage rhythm & blues. Rateliff has garnered attention with Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, the soulful R&B combo he formed in 2013. He has also released solo albums and under the name Nathaniel Rateliff and the Wheel.

http://www.nathanielrateliff.com/

Members:
Nathaniel Rateliff
Patrick Meese
Julie Davis
Joseph Pope III
James Han

Mavis
Nathaniel Rateliff Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

In other worlds
In other worlds I would be with you
And other nights
And other nights I think I've seen you
Caught on a way
Caught on a way I do not own you

And you relax

Knowing the way I do
I'd do for you

All that I've seen through
I do it for you
All again

Ay
Hey hey, ay
Ay
Hey hey, ay

In other times
You said your feet move so fast you couldn't see
Gone are the days
When you could start ahead and outrun me
And all the lights
And all the lights you say they're heavy now

I recall a time, you were mine
All the time you bared your teeth
It was always just a smile for me

Ay
Hey hey, ay
Ay
Hey hey, ay

Ay
Hey hey, ay
Ay
Hey hey, ay

Ay
Hey hey, ay
Ay

I recall a time, you were mine

And all the time you bared your teeth
Was always just a smile for me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Nathaniel Rateliff's song "Mavis" speak to a longing for a connection that exists in another world or another time. The singer expresses a desire to be with someone, but acknowledges that it is not possible in their current reality. The lyrics suggest that the singer has glimpses of this person in their thoughts and dreams, but ultimately feels a sense of separation.

The repetition of the line "In other worlds, I would be with you" conveys the yearning and longing for a different reality where the two can be together. The mention of "other nights" and seeing this person hints at the possibility of a past relationship or encounters that still linger in the singer's mind. However, the line "Caught on a way I do not own you" suggests a resignation or acceptance of the fact that this person cannot be fully possessed or controlled.

The second verse adds another layer to the narrative. The singer addresses the passing of time and how things have changed. The person mentioned in the song used to have such fast-moving feet that they couldn't be caught, but now those days are gone. The lights, which may symbolize the burdens or responsibilities of life, are described as heavy.

Overall, "Mavis" appears to be a reflection on lost or unattainable love, a yearning for a connection that exists in another place or time, and the acceptance of the impossibility of fully possessing or controlling someone.

Line by Line Meaning

In other worlds
In alternate realities

In other worlds I would be with you
In those alternate realities, I would be by your side

And other nights
During different evenings

And other nights I think I've seen you
On some of those evenings, I believe I've glimpsed your presence

Caught on a way
Entangled in a path

Caught on a way I do not own you
Entangled in a path where I do not possess you

And you relax
And you find solace

Knowing the way I do
Understanding the extent to which I care

I'd do for you
I would go to great lengths for you

All that I've seen through
Everything I have experienced

I do it for you
I do it all for you

All again
Repeating it all once more

In other times
During different periods

You said your feet move so fast you couldn't see
You claimed that your pace was so rapid you couldn't perceive

Gone are the days
Those days are gone

When you could start ahead and outrun me
When you could begin before me and surpass me

And all the lights
And all the illuminations

And all the lights you say they're heavy now
And now you declare that those illuminations weigh you down

I recall a time, you were mine
I remember a period when you belonged to me

All the time you bared your teeth
Every moment you exposed your teeth

It was always just a smile for me
But it was always just a smile directed at me

Ay
Expression of emotion