Son Volt formed after the breakup of the band Uncle Tupelo, owing to the simmering creative differences between songwriters Farrar and Jeff Tweedy. The group's members lived in Minneapolis, St Louis, and New Orleans at the time. Son Volt is often considered the closest continuance of Uncle Tupelo's Alt-country/Americana sound and musical legacy. Jeff Tweedy would steer his post-Uncle Tupelo group Wilco towards more adventurous sonic territory - and greater critical and commercial success - in a move that has sharply divided fans.
Farrar has released albums under his own name and the Son Volt nameplate, though there is little continuity in supporting band members. After a strong initial showing with 1995's Trace, the original Son Volt lineup released two more records before going on permanent hiatus in 1999. After the original members were unable to reach an agreement on the terms of a reunion, Farrar put together a new version of Son Volt in 2004. The revived Son Volt has regained its creative footing with 2005's confident Okemah and the Melody of Riot. Son Volt went on to release "The Search" in the Spring of 2007.
The Reason
Son Volt Lyrics
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To dance around the sun
That you may discover in time
You may need to cut and run
You say you like rainy weather
Like they have in the Northwest
Or maybe California
Where everything seems best
To get the lead out of your feet
To the songs of saints and sinners
Take the bitter with the sweet
You can see the rainbows
As something more than colored sky
All the fury of the downpour
Can be a blessing in disguise
Get ahead of your demons
Draw the line at your command
All your forces moving forward
Throw it down that hat in hand
Time and tide wait for no one
Put your shoulder to the wheel
Give your best and take flight
Use your smile as your shield
You may fall on stony ground
Hold the line and stay sound
With the company that you keep
Still waters run deep
Cast your bread upon the waters
Keep the love that's in your heart
Use the knowledge that you gain
Keep your soul as right as rain
You can see the rainbows
As something more than colored sky
All the fury of the downpour
Can be a blessing in disguise
You can see the rainbows
As something more than colored sky
All the fury of the downpour
Can be a blessing in disguise
The song "The Reason" conveys a positive and optimistic message that urges listeners to persevere and stay true to themselves despite facing adversity. It begins by stating that there can be a reason to dance around the sun, which implies that even when everything seems dark and gloomy, there's always a reason to remain cheerful and hopeful. The lyrics suggest that sometimes in life, you have to make tough choices, which may require you to cut and run, especially when the situation you are in is not good for you.
The second verse talks about embracing the rain, which is commonly viewed as a negative experience, but the lyrics suggest that it could also be seen as a blessing if perceived differently. The song accentuates that people have to be proactive in their lives and take charge of their destiny to get ahead of their demons. Moreover, it talks about having faith in oneself, the experiences we gain, the company we keep, and the knowledge we obtain on our journey. Above all, staying positive, smiling, and keeping one's soul pure are very essential.
Line by Line Meaning
If ever there was a reason
If there were ever a purpose, a rationale to something
To dance around the sun
To be joyous, to revel in the warmth of life
That you may discover in time
That may reveal itself with patience and time
You may need to cut and run
You may need to quickly depart, to make a break for it
You say you like rainy weather
You express your affinity for weather that is grey and wet
Like they have in the Northwest
Similar to the weather patterns in the region located in the northwest of the United States
Or maybe California
Alternatively, you may enjoy the atmosphere of California
Where everything seems best
Where everything appears idyllic and perfect
If ever there was a reason
If there were ever a purpose, a rationale to something
To get the lead out of your feet
To shake off your lethargy and become active
To the songs of saints and sinners
To both holy and impure music alike
Take the bitter with the sweet
Accept and endure unpleasant experiences along with the good
You can see the rainbows
You can perceive the beauty and hopefulness in life
As something more than colored sky
As a symbol or metaphor for something beyond a physical manifestation
All the fury of the downpour
All the intensity of the storm
Can be a blessing in disguise
May be an unexpected positive outcome
Get ahead of your demons
Confront your inner struggles before they get the best of you
Draw the line at your command
Establish boundaries and limits that you control
All your forces moving forward
All of your energy and resources directed towards progress
Throw it down that hat in hand
Confidently assert oneself and shed timidity
Time and tide wait for no one
Opportunities do not wait for anyone, and time marches on
Put your shoulder to the wheel
Work hard and contribute effort towards achieving something
Give your best and take flight
Do your utmost and soar towards success
Use your smile as your shield
Use positivity as a defense against negativity
You may fall on stony ground
You may encounter obstacles or setbacks
Hold the line and stay sound
Remain steadfast and resolute despite adversity
With the company that you keep
Surround yourself with good people
Still waters run deep
Those who are quiet and unassuming may have hidden depths
Cast your bread upon the waters
Be generous to others, and good karma will come your way
Keep the love that's in your heart
Maintain compassion and kindness towards others
Use the knowledge that you gain
Applying what you have learned to improve your life
Keep your soul as right as rain
Maintain your purity and goodness of heart
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jay Stuart Farrar
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind