Line In The Sand
Neal Carpenter Lyrics


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We see the big stars
Shining in the spotlights
While we're out crawling
Underneath these streetlights
Girl if I had some chalk in my hand
I'd draw a line in the sand, say
I'm never stepping back
I'm never stepping back, Oh!
Can you hear Aretha sing
Talkin bout a change gonna come
When you find a little fear in your heart
When you think you wanna turn and run
Girl if I had some chalk in my hand
I'd draw a line in the sand, say
I'm never stepping back
I'm never stepping back
Oh!
Oh!
Whoa, oh, oh, uh, oh
Whoa, oh, oh, uh, oh
I'm never stepping back
I'm never stepping back
Whoa, oh, oh, uh, oh
Whoa, oh, oh, uh, oh
I'm never stepping back
I'm never stepping back
We see the big stars
Shining in the spotlights
While we're out crawling
Underneath these streetlights
Girl if I had some chalk in my hand
I'd draw a line in the sand, say
I'm never stepping back




I'm never stepping back, Oh!
Oh!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Neal Carpenter's song "Line in the Sand" are evocative of struggle and perseverance. The singer notes that while big stars shine in spotlights, they themselves are crawling underneath streetlights. The comparison serves to highlight the often-unseen struggles of ordinary people working to succeed. The line, "Girl if I had some chalk in my hand, I'd draw a line in the sand, say I'm never stepping back," is a call to action that exemplifies the idea of drawing a line in the sand, an idiom that means to make a clear and non-negotiable stand on a particular issue.


The reference to Aretha Franklin's song "A Change is Gonna Come" serves as a reminder that change is possible, but it requires courage in the face of fear. The singer acknowledges that sometimes it's easy to feel like giving up, but emphasizes that drawing a line in the sand means committing to pushing forward no matter the odds. The chorus repeats this refrain - "I'm never stepping back" - driving home the message of perseverance and determination.


Line by Line Meaning

We see the big stars
Despite our current situation, we are still aware of the glamorous and successful people that exist.


Shining in the spotlights
These successful people are seen everywhere and are constantly being celebrated.


While we're out crawling
Meanwhile, we are struggling and moving forward at a slow pace.


Underneath these streetlights
Our hardships are illuminated by the streetlights, reminding us of our struggles.


Girl if I had some chalk in my hand
If I had the power to make a change, even a small one, I would take it.


I'd draw a line in the sand, say
I would make a clear, definitive statement about my intentions and goals.


I'm never stepping back
I will never give up or back down in working towards my goals.


Oh!
Emphasizing the passion and determination in the previous statements.


Can you hear Aretha sing
Referring to a famous song emphasizing the struggle for change and equality.


Talkin bout a change gonna come
The song depicts the hopeful belief that eventually, positive change will come.


When you find a little fear in your heart
Acknowledge the fear that exists but do not let it 'rule' you.


When you think you wanna turn and run
During times of hardship, the urge to give up may arise but persevering is crucial.


Whoa, oh, oh, uh, oh
Emotional emphasis on the previous statements.


I'm never stepping back
Reiterating the commitment to continuing the fight and persevering through adversity.


We see the big stars
Repeating the idea that successful people exist around us despite our own difficulties.


Shining in the spotlights
The success of others is still greatly celebrated and admired.


Oh!
Intensifying the emotions in the song's refrain.




Writer(s): NEAL CARPENTER

Contributed by Scarlett F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@bthackne

I wish he would come out with some more music. I saw him at a house show and have listened to the Good Guys album about once a week for the past 2 years!

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