Janeway is a young man who began wailing straight out of the womb, and most folks would agree that he hasn’t stopped since. “Oh what a set of lungs that child has,” they’d say, “he must be destined for something special.” Not wishing to disappoint, and being a good southern boy, Paul began singing in church, stretching his vocal cords with an eye toward becoming a man of the cloth.
The cloth, however, didn’t appreciate young Paul’s affinity for dirty jokes, Prince, and Tom Waits, and he was inclined to search elsewhere for co-conspirators. He began plying his trade with whomever would have him. With a wholly re-imagined take on the sounds he’d grown up singing and seeking, Paul recruited a rag-tag band of like-minded weirdoes, visionaries, and hacks to help him harness the power he now knew he possessed. Under the nom du guerre St. Paul and the Broken Bones, the motley crew roams the countryside looking to get cabooses shakin’, faces meltin’, and brothers and sisters everywhere testifyin’
All I Ever Wonder
St. Paul & The Broken Bones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jesus found his politics but nobody listens
Rent it will rise but our doctors keep us high
(We can't get too low)
I know it's all broken
But I ain't got to focus
Is it hell, is it well, is there anybody can tell
I can't tell what's right or wrong
We ain't ever gonna sing one song
Love goes, hate goes, now I am left all alone
Everyone seems to shout but we get lost in the sounds
Follow your sister, please, just try to hold her
I can't seem to focus
I know it's all broken
Is it hell, is it well, is there anybody can tell
I can't tell what side I am on
I can't tell what's right or wrong
We ain't ever gonna sing one song
Love goes, hate goes, now I am left all alone
All I ever wondered, all I ever wondered, would we make it through?
All I ever wondered, all I ever wondered, would we make it through?
Make it through
I can't tell what side I am on
I can't tell what's right or wrong
We ain't ever gonna sing one song
Love goes, hate goes, now I am left all alone
Love goes, hate goes, now I am left all alone
Love goes, hate goes, now I am left all alone
Love goes, hate goes, now I am left all alone
The lyrics of St. Paul & The Broken Bones's song "All I Ever Wonder" are a contemplation of the current state of society and politics. The opening line "Velvet fist in the gut while everyone is slingin' mud" sets the tone for the rest of the song. It talks about the political climate where people are more concerned about winning than finding solutions. The next line, "Jesus found his politics but nobody listens," highlights how religious ideologies are often dismissed or overshadowed in politics.
The following lines, "Rent it will rise, but our doctors keep us high," refer to how the healthcare industry is often focused on treating illnesses rather than affordable healthcare for everyone. The line "(We can't get too low) I know it's all broken, but I ain't got to focus" appears to be a commentary on the idea of being content with the status quo, despite knowing that things are flawed.
The chorus of the song, "Is it hell, is it well, is there anybody can tell, I can't tell what side I am on, I can't tell what's right or wrong, we ain't ever gonna sing one song" seems to suggest that the world has become so polarized and divided that we can't agree on what is right anymore. The song ends solemnly with the repetition of "love goes, hate goes, now I am left all alone."
Overall, "All I Ever Wonder" is a poignant commentary on the state of society and politics, as well as a reflection on the collective uncertainty that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Velvet fist in the gut while everyone is slingin' mud
Despite the pleasant exterior, there is a feeling of discomfort and unease while others engage in petty conflicts.
Jesus found his politics but nobody listens
Even though religious beliefs may influence political opinions, people are not receptive to the message.
Rent it will rise but our doctors keep us high
The cost of living may increase, but medical professionals prescribe medication to alleviate the pain.
(We can't get too low)
Despite the difficulties, it is important to maintain a positive attitude.
I know it's all broken
Acknowledging that everything feels chaotic and dysfunctional.
But I ain't got to focus
There is no need to obsess over every little imperfection or problem.
Is it hell, is it well, is there anybody can tell
Uncertainty about the current state of affairs and if it's good or bad, and if anyone really knows.
I can't tell what side I am on
Difficulty choosing which perspective or stance to take amidst conflicting opinions and beliefs.
I can't tell what's right or wrong
Uncertainty about what actions or choices are ethical or moral.
We ain't ever gonna sing one song
There is no universal consensus or agreement on how things should be.
Love goes, hate goes, now I am left all alone
Despite the ever-changing emotions around, there is a sense of loneliness that persists.
Everyone seems to shout but we get lost in the sounds
Amidst the noisy chaos, it is difficult to decipher the true message or meaning behind the words.
Follow your sister, please, just try to hold her
A plea to stick together and support each other despite the confusing and uncertain times.
All I ever wondered, all I ever wondered, would we make it through?
Despite the challenges and uncertainty, the main question is whether or not humanity will persevere.
Make it through
A hope and desire for humanity to overcome the obstacles and difficulties, and reach a better future.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: John Gamble, Paul William Janeway, Andrew Lee, Browan Lollar, Jesse Thomas Phillips
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@fyodordostoevsky3951
LYRICS
Velvet fist in the gut while everyone is slingin’ mud
Jesus found his politics but nobody listens
Rent it will rise but our doctors keep us high
We can’t get too low
I know it’s all broken
But I ain’t got to focus
Is it hell, is it well can anyone even tell
I can’t tell what side I am on
I can’t tell what’s right or wrong
We can’t ever just sing one song
Love goes hate goes now I am left all alone
Everyone seems to shout but we got lost in the sound
Follow your sister please just try to hold her
I can’t seem to focus
I know it’s all broken
Is it hell, is it well can anyone even tell
I can’t tell what side I am on
I can’t tell what’s right or wrong
We can’t ever just sing one song
Love goes hate goes now I am left all alone
All I ever wondered, all I ever wondered would we make it through
All I ever wondered, all I ever wondered would we make it through
Make it through
I can’t tell what side I am on
I can’t tell what’s right or wrong
We can’t ever just sing one song
Love goes hate goes now I am left all alone
Love goes hate goes now I am left all alone
Love goes hate goes now I am left all alone
Love goes hate goes now I am left all alone
@Christecas
Ohhhh Yeah!! St Paul and the Broken Bones, AMAZING band!!!
@thoughtramblermongersagemo2347
st paul and the broken bones is awesome
@DylanFergusC
This came on the bar closing playlist andi was desperately searching for the video before I forgot all the lyrics. My heart is warmed, thank you for this
@ethanadams8109
I'm not even going to question how my science teacher introduced me to some pretty amazing music.
@FlintEastwood22
Wouldn't have pictures this voice coming out of him but it's awesome. Love this song
@kandralm80
Love all this talent coming out of Alabama! You're awesome!
@DanielNotFreddy
i'm getting a serious motown vibe from this band. i like it.
@awpti
If the chance to see them live comes up, DO NOT MISS IT. This band has stage presence unlike any other and holy hell, does Paul have some damned pipes.
@DanielNotFreddy
awpti
dude, there is no way i'm passing up a chance to see these guys live.
@lucbaartmans5003
dour 2017 they are there so the question is are u ?