Kelly writes and performs the kinds of songs that inspire novels and movies. You could call him a bastard disciple of Kurt Cobain and Townes Van Zandt, and he’d be totally cool with that. He’s just as comfortable wearing a cowboy hat as he is in a Slayer t-shirt. His story so far twists and turns through heartbreak and triumph, an overdose and rehab, empty dive bars and packed venues, living everywhere from South Carolina to Brussels, and as he puts it, “finally getting my shit together and proposing to the love of my life.” It’s this unbelievable experience that informs his singular style—a gravelly patchwork of folk lyricism, grunge attitude, country heart, Americana spirit, and rock energy. Not only has he penned songs for Tim McGraw (“Nashville Without You”), Josh Abbott Band (“Front Row Seat”), and more, but his independent solo debut EP Halloween earned acclaim from KCRW, Consequence of Sound, RELIX, Apple Music, and more. “Poison” racked up over 516K Spotify streams, while “Black Magic” soundtracked the Season Finale of the CBS series Scorpion. He logged countless miles on the road sharing the stage with the likes of The Lumineers and Robert Earl Keen in addition to performing at Bonnaroo and Wakarusa. Signing to Washington Square Music / Razor & Tie and he recorded his full-length debut in 2017.
Brightly Burst Into The Air
Ruston Kelly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shelby Avenue
Same old bars and the same old cold
With the same old nothing to do
And I get fucked up
Etchfield, corner booth
And I was on the move to get unstuck
But you don′t have to understand everything all of the time
It don't matter much if you don′t care what's wrong or what's right
But it′s sure as hell fair
Because we never burn out
We only brightly burst into the air
We never burn out
We only brightly burst into the air
The lyrics to Ruston Kelly’s Brightly Burst into the Air describe the monotony and boredom of daily life. Kelly paints a picture of the same old bars and the same old cold, highlighting the lack of excitement and activity in his routine. He goes on to describe how he tries to get unstuck through drinking and smoking, but ultimately realizes that it doesn’t matter if everything is understood or not. The chorus then helps to tie everything together, as Kelly suggests that while we may never burn out, we will always brightly burst into the air.
The lyrics suggest something different from what we’re used to. Instead of the traditional narrative of burning out or fading away, Kelly paints a picture of bursting into the air - a metaphor that is both powerful and positive. What’s interesting about this is how it suggests that we have an opportunity to fly higher than we might think, even if we feel stuck at the moment. It’s a hopeful outlook that encourages us to find joy in our lives, no matter how mundane they may seem.
What’s remarkable about this song is how reimagines the concept of “burning out” or “fading away”. Ruston Kelly’s Brightly Burst into the Air is all about growing beyond the limits of what we’re used to, and rising above the everyday. The song is a reminder that it’s always possible to see the beauty in the world, even when we feel lost or disconnected.
Line by Line Meaning
One, two, three, four
Counting down to start the song
Shelby Avenue
Referring to a specific location or memory
Same old bars and the same old cold
Repetition of routine and lack of excitement
With the same old nothing to do
Boredom and lack of purpose
And I get fucked up
Desire to escape and forget
Etchfield, corner booth
Naming another specific location
Two packs of cigarettes, a shot of Fireball
Substance abuse as another form of escape
And I was on the move to get unstuck
Seeking to break free from stagnancy
But you don't have to understand everything all of the time
Recognizing the complexity of life and the value of not knowing
It don't matter much if you don't care what's wrong or what's right
Emphasizing the importance of personal values and beliefs
But it's sure as hell fair
Acknowledging the uncertain nature of life and its challenges
Because we never burn out
Resilience and the ability to persevere through hardships
We only brightly burst into the air
Visualizing the release and freedom of self-expression
We never burn out
Reiteration of strength and perseverance
We only brightly burst into the air
Continued visualization of the power and beauty of self-expression
Writer(s): Ruston Samuel Kelly
Contributed by Zoe N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Pamela Q
💜💜💜 I'm buying this album...I'm loving every song 💜💜💜
Sadman Rhyme
This is absolutely mesmerizing.
Keep it up man.
Caffeinated Nation
Lyrics
One, two, three, four
Shelby Avenue
Same old bars and the same old cold
With the same old nothing to do
And I get fucked up
Etchfield, corner booth
Two packs of cigarettes, a shot of Fireball
And I was on the move to get unstuck
But you don't have to understand everything all of the time
It don't matter much if you don't care what's wrong or what's right
But it's sure as hell fair
Because we never burn out
We only brightly burst into the air
We never burn out
We only brightly burst into the air
Savannah Hudson
I could listen to this over and over again.
Kolt Hudson
love it man. this is great.
Cannabliss
I appreciate your honesty 💙💙💙
Saved For More
Heard this on the Hard Cash Valley soundtrack it is such a good song
Sara Elizabeth
🎶Take me to ellllayyyy tooooodayy .... wrong song 😋 ..... Strip search me
🎶 Been there done that Yee Haw!