Seth Bernard was raised by northern Michigan's music scene. Maybe this is w… Read Full Bio ↴Seth Bernard was raised by northern Michigan's music scene. Maybe this is why he is so at home on stage, or why his songs seem to be stories of his life, his growth and his work. His song writing didn't stop here in the Michigan folk scene, however, Seth has traversed the many worlds of music collecting hints of jazz, blues, traditional folk, straight up rock and even old spirituals carving a unique place for himself in the Americana music of today. His lyrics are compassionate, truthful, loving and hilarious, touching on everything from the beauty and irony of living on earth as humans, to the troubles of the world and the journeys we take through time and understanding. His sound is rusty and refined, his playing thoughtful and powerful, sung with potent heart-felt honesty that leaves you with a feeling of hope. (Bio, care of http://www.earthworkmusic.com/SETH.htm)

Sassafras
Seth Bernard Lyrics

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Too spread out
To taste peace
There comes a time
To pay off the loans

Sort it out
Polish each piece
Spend some time

Sitting alone

You're on your own
Sassafras
You're only as good as your word
You've got something we need

It's come time to own
Who you are
Who do you
Think you are?

No more report cards,
Green stick
You got your debts
You got your regrets

(but) You're not alone
Sassafras
You're only as good as your word
You've got something we need

You're on your own
Little one

You're only as good as your deed
You are not to blame for all you've heard

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Seth Bernard's song "Sassafras" talk about facing your own problems and becoming accountable for your actions. The first couple of lines, "Too spread out/ To taste peace," refer to how we can become disconnected from ourselves and our surroundings, leading to a lack of inner peace. The next line, "There comes a time/ To pay off the loans," may be interpreted as paying off the debts we owe to society, to ourselves, or to others. It is an invitation to have a reckoning with oneself and start taking control of one's life.

The chorus, "You're on your own/ Sassafras/ You're only as good as your word/ You've got something we need," addresses the listener personally, urging them to step up and take responsibility. The word "Sassafras" is a metaphor for something unique or of value that they possess. The lyrics then go on to say, "It's come time to own/ Who you are/ Who do you/ Think you are?" affirming the importance of owning one's identity, beliefs and values.

The second verse mentions "No more report cards, Green stick." This might be a reference to a school experience, but it can also be seen as a comment on how false metrics have been used to measure success or failure. The line "You're not alone/ Sassafras" highlights the importance of finding courage to face one's problems and to know that there is support out there. The song concludes by saying, "You're on your own/ Little one/ You're only as good as your deed/ You are not to blame for all you've heard," reminding the listener that while they may feel alone, they are not the only one facing these problems, and that they are not solely responsible for their situation.

Line by Line Meaning

Too spread out
Feeling scattered and disorganized

To taste peace
Wanting to feel calm and content

There comes a time
Recognizing when change is necessary

To pay off the loans
To resolve any lingering debts or responsibilities

Sort it out
Organize and prioritize

Polish each piece
Refine and perfect each aspect

Spend some time
Set aside time for oneself

Sitting alone
Reflecting and contemplating in solitude

You're on your own
No one can make decisions for you

Sassafras
Referencing a tree that has both medicinal and culinary uses, symbolizing the value of one's uniqueness and resources

You're only as good as your word
Integrity and honesty are essential