While still in high school, he recorded his first solo effort, Mythologies, released on the Carpe Diem label, and produced by future 97 Murry Hammond. Miller and Hammond then formed the group Sleepy Heroes, a power-pop trio that released one CD - Under A Radio Sun - and promptly disbanded.
In the early 1990s, Miller started performing country songs acoustically with Hammond with the moniker Ranchero Brothers - a duo that performs occasionally to this day.
Miller's second solo album The Instigator was released in 2002. In 2006, he released The Believer. Recently he released the self-titled Rhett Miller in 2009.
For photographs and additional information visit Rhett Miller's official website www.RhettMiller.com, or the official website of the Old 97's www.Old97s.com.
Fireflies
Rhett Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did when she was 19, not afraid to die
I started plannin' our future
But you were just 19, still a firefly
You got terrible vision
You shoulda seen I was leavin' when I first appeared
I got bit by the footlights
Never say you'll never leave
'Cause you'll never know 'til you try
In a jar fireflies
Only last for one night, only last for one night
Trains roll like gamblers in slow mo
Tryin' to find good luck when they couldn't find love
Oh yeah, and I'm gonna sleep on the train tracks
It's gonna be a peaceful night then it's gonna get rough
Never say you'll never leave
'Cause you'll never know 'til you try
In a jar fireflies
Only last for one night, only last for one night
I must have had a reason for leavin'
Not one I could see
I must have had a reason for leavin'
It must have been me, it must have been me
You looked like my mother
Did when she was 19, not afraid to die
For the last time I'm not your mother
And I was only 19, I'm still a firefly
The song Fireflies by Rhett Miller talks about a brief encounter with someone who looks like the singer's mother did at 19. The singer starts planning their future together but realizes that the person is still young and has a lot of growing up to do. They compare the person to a firefly as they are bright and fleeting. The song also talks about leaving and not knowing why, but acknowledging that it must have been for a reason. The singer talks about trains and the search for love and good luck in life, and how sometimes it's easier to just let go and see where life takes you.
The song explores themes of youth, transience, and the search for meaning in life. The reference to fireflies as a metaphor for fleeting moments and experiences is particularly poignant as fireflies only last for a short period of time before fading away. The singer's comparison of the person to a firefly highlights their youth and the idea that they are still figuring out who they are and haven't fully come into their own yet. The line "Never say you'll never leave 'cause you'll never know 'til you try" could be interpreted as a reminder not to get too caught up in planning for the future and to instead live in the moment and take risks.
Line by Line Meaning
You looked like my mother
Did when she was 19, not afraid to die
I saw in you the same bravery and carefree spirit my mother had when she was my age, unafraid of what lies ahead.
I started plannin' our future
But you were just 19, still a firefly
I was ready to build a life with you, but you were still young and flighty, not yet ready to settle down.
You got terrible vision
You shoulda seen I was leavin' when I first appeared
You couldn't see my intentions from the start, that I wasn't going to stay with you forever.
I got bit by the footlights
I got caught in the headlights in any place but here
I am drawn to the spotlight and the allure of adventure, always looking for something new and exciting.
Never say you'll never leave
'Cause you'll never know 'til you try
In a jar fireflies
Only last for one night, only last for one night
Don't make promises you can't keep, because you might change your mind. Fireflies, like love, are fleeting and can disappear quickly.
Trains roll like gamblers in slow mo
Tryin' to find good luck when they couldn't find love
Oh yeah, and I'm gonna sleep on the train tracks
It's gonna be a peaceful night then it's gonna get rough
People take risks in search of happiness, much like gamblers rolling the dice. I plan to take a dangerous chance by sleeping on the train tracks, hoping for a peaceful night but bracing myself for whatever may come.
I must have had a reason for leavin'
Not one I could see
I must have had a reason for leavin'
It must have been me, it must have been me
I left you for a reason, although I'm not sure what that reason was. I can only assume it was something within me that made me unable to commit to you.
For the last time I'm not your mother
And I was only 19, I'm still a firefly
I am not like your mother and I never will be. I'm still young and free-spirited, like a firefly who flits around without a care in the world.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: STEWART RANSOM MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@typicalYTaddict
This song makes me cry for a number of different reasons. I’ve never had a song make me cry before and would normally think something like that is corny but at this point, I can’t get thru listening to it without shedding a tear. It’s very sentimental to me. I’d like it to be my wedding song if I ever get married but I don’t want to cry the whole time lol
@Temiken
If I could only listen to one song today, then I choose this song. Yup. Over and over and over again. What a tune!
@tombehnke9058
"in a jar, fireflies only last for one night".
how tragically beautiful.
@Christiane-yb1wj
I don't like much country music but this is so pretty. Been on my playlist for years
@BuckRogers2000
I have great hopes for both of these young singers :)
@fancykatya
I dig this song big time and Miss Yamagata is the perfect compliment to Rhett's voice!
@marthavalenta
Love it!
@JimProsser
Best song on The Believer far and away. Wish you would do more stuff with Rachel Yamagata too!
@douglasmoffat1538
She has never looked better than in this video.
@LadyMeinUSA
nice song 😊❤