Jagged
Old 97's Lyrics


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What remains of the day remains to be seen
By the TV that we never turn on
Each other's enough I never had it so rough
Ever since I been gone

White noise swells in my head
Making me worry it's the summertime
But it's the dead of the fall
It's the dead of the night hell yes I mind

I would give anything not to feel so jagged
I'd give anything not to feel so jagged
I'd give anything not to feel so jagged

I couldn't drink enough to make this make sense
But I think I'm gonna give it a try
There's no settling down
There's only driving downstate so I drive

I would give anything not to feel so jagged
I'd give anything not to feel so jagged
I'd give anything not to feel so jagged

I'd give anything not to feel so jagged




I'd give anything not to feel so jagged
I'd give anything not to feel so jagged

Overall Meaning

In "Jagged," Old 97's lead singer Rhett Miller shares his feelings of being lost and feeling jagged after a difficult breakup. The opening lines "what remains of the day remains to be seen, by the TV that we never turn on" alludes to the current state of his life - uncertain and with nothing to numb the pain. He feels like he's been dealt a difficult hand and finds solace in the fact that he has someone to lean on, even if it's just his own company. Despite all this, however, white noise swells in his head, intensifying his worries about the future. He wishes he could escape this feeling of being "jagged" and live without the constant struggle.


The chorus, "I would give anything not to feel so jagged, I'd give anything not to feel so jagged," is a plea to end the pain and find some solace. He comprehends that he can't consume enough alcohol to make sense of the situation, but decides to pack up and drive downstate, in search of something new. Whether he's hopeful or just feels so desperate that he's ready for anything is unclear, but he's determined to do something.


Overall, "Jagged" is a tribute to the difficulties that can arise when we transition through challenging periods of life, where relationships may come to an end or we feel lost and uncertain about the future. It embodies the feeling of a life that is frayed at the edges, characterized by uncertainty, worry, and pain.


Line by Line Meaning

What remains of the day remains to be seen
The outcome of what is left of this day is uncertain


By the TV that we never turn on
Sitting near a television that is never used


Each other's enough I never had it so rough
Having a partner is enough, even during difficult times


Ever since I been gone
Since leaving, things have been challenging


White noise swells in my head
Mental chaos is intensifying


Making me worry it's the summertime
Feeling anxious, despite being out of season


But it's the dead of the fall
Actually, it is the middle of autumn


It's the dead of the night hell yes I mind
The night is silent and dull, causing distress


I couldn't drink enough to make this make sense
Drinking alcohol will not bring clarity to this situation


But I think I'm gonna give it a try
Despite this, drinking may still be attempted


There's no settling down
The situation doesn't allow for relaxation or stability


There's only driving downstate so I drive
Escaping through driving is the only option available


I'd give anything not to feel so jagged
Desperately wanting to relieve the mental turbulence and distress


I'd give anything not to feel so jagged
Repeatedly emphasizing the desire to feel better


I'd give anything not to feel so jagged
Continuing to express the wish to alleviate the emotional turmoil




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KENDALL DEWAYNE BETHEA, MURRAY HAMMOND, PHILIP WAYNE PEEPLES, STEWART RANSOM MILLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Shelley Modica

One of the best songs EVER written, in my humble opinion. ; )

The Shotgun Approach

I agree.

Gustav Fechner

This was the first Old 97's song I ever heard. That was around 20 years ago, but it still feels like yesterday.

Nikole Witt

Me too. about 30 years ago! (fall 1992/spring 1993)

Bailey Hunter

This song speaks to so many of the dark places in me.
"White noise swells in my head
Making me worry, it's the summertime
But it's the dead of the fall, it's the dead of the night
Hell yes, I mind"

David Giragosian

Just heard this on pbs radio. I have one of their cds from years ago, and I recognized the sound right away. Such a nice groove and hook.

Georgia Grow Guy

This album saved me from suicide when it was released. They provided me an outlet to sing along rather than be alone at a very bad time in my life.

Todd Dennehy

I’d give anything not to forget this awesome music!

Mechanical Bride

"I couldn't drink enough to make this make sense - but I think I'm gonna give it a try" Yes indeed.

Stefan Jugović

Of course

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