The Avett Brothers is an American folk-rock band that originated in Concord… Read Full Bio ↴The Avett Brothers is an American folk-rock band that originated in Concord, North Carolina. Two brothers, Seth Avett and Scott Avett, formed the group in 2000 after the breakup of the former rock band, Nemo, adding a third member, Bob Crawford. Subsequently, they have been joined by cellist Joe Kwon. The Avett Brothers combine old-time country, bluegrass, punk, pop melodies, folk, rock and roll, honky tonk and ragtime to produce a sound described by the Washington Post as "post civil-war modern rock", or by other reviewers as "grungegrass". For a long time the group eschewed labels, feeling that "none would do the music justice." Ironically, the Avetts signed to Columbia Records on Independence Day 2008 to record their fifth album with acclaimed producer Rick Rubin. It's simply left up to each person to extract his or her own account from the Avetts' music."

Their live performances, generally at smaller venues, showcase their use of three-part harmony and southern rock feel, and are admired for being intense, energetic, and soulful. The Avetts have been picking up steam opening for Dave Matthews Band and playing SXSW and Newport Folk Festival.

Gimmeakiss
The Avett Brothers Lyrics

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Gimme a dance, gimme a chance, gimme your hands
Give me just a little bit of your sweet romance
Give me your hands
I know what they say about me
Hell, I started most of them rumors myself you see
So give 'em to me

It wont take long for me to tell you who I am

You hear my voice right now well that's pretty much what I am

So gimme a smile, gimme a while, gimme a mile
Give me just a little bit of your sweet devine
Just give me a smile
I know what you said about me
I think maybe if I had a preachin' judge then I'd forgive you see
So give 'em to me

It wont take long for me to tell you what I am
You hear my voice right now well that's pretty much what I am

I'm bailin on my life
Cause I'm wailing on my life
So please just gimme a kiss

Well I know you're waiting for a ring
Ease up little lady, see, I'm not promising anything

So gimme a chance, gimme a dance, gimme your hands
Give me just a little bit of your sweet romance
Just give me your hands
I know what they say about me
Hell, I started most of them rumors myself you see
So give 'em to me

It wont take long for me to tell you who I am
Well you hear this voice right now well that's pretty much all I am
I'm bailin on my life

Cause I'm wailing on my life
So please just gimme a kiss

Overall Meaning

In "Gimmeakiss," The Avett Brothers ask for a chance and a bit of trust from a partner. The song is about overcoming the rumors and judgments that can hold us back in life and relationships, and asking for forgiveness and a fresh start. With lines like "you hear my voice right now well that's pretty much what I am," the song acknowledges the vulnerability that comes with revealing who we truly are to someone else.

The song alternates between asking for a dance, a smile, and a kiss, and promising that it won't take long for the singer to reveal his true self. The repetition of "give me your hands" highlights the need for connection and intimacy, both physical and emotional. The ending tagline, "I'm bailin on my life, cause I'm wailing on my life, so please just gimme a kiss," suggests that the singer is struggling with his own demons and looking for someone to help him through it.

Overall, "Gimmeakiss" is a romantic plea for understanding and a fresh start. It acknowledges the mistakes and rumors that may have caused distrust, but also expresses hope that with a little bit of trust and vulnerability, a stronger connection can be built.

Line by Line Meaning

Gimme a dance, gimme a chance, gimme your hands
I want to dance with you and I'm asking for a chance to get to know you better. Can I have your hands to hold while we dance?

Give me just a little bit of your sweet romance Give me your hands I know what they say about me Hell, I started most of them rumors myself you see So give 'em to me
I'm asking for a chance to be romantically involved with you. I'm aware of the rumors surrounding me, and some of them are even started by me. Despite that, I want you to trust me and give me a chance.

It wont take long for me to tell you who I am You hear my voice right now well that's pretty much what I am
I'm a straightforward person and it won't take long for me to tell you who I am. What you hear from me right now is what you get.

So gimme a smile, gimme a while, gimme a mile Give me just a little bit of your sweet devine Just give me a smile
I'm asking for a smile from you, and maybe a little bit more time to spend together. I believe you have a divine and special quality about you that I simply can't resist.

I know what you said about me I think maybe if I had a preachin' judge then I'd forgive you see So give 'em to me
I understand that you may have said negative things about me, but I'm willing to forgive you if you'll give me a chance to explain my side of the story.

I'm bailin on my life Cause I'm wailing on my life So please just gimme a kiss
I'm not happy with my life at the moment, which is why I'm seeking comfort and maybe even a distraction in the form of a kiss from you.

Well I know you're waiting for a ring Ease up little lady, see, I'm not promising anything
I know that you may be expecting a serious commitment from me, but I'm not making any promises. I'm just asking for the opportunity to spend time and have fun with you.

So gimme a chance, gimme a dance, gimme your hands Give me just a little bit of your sweet romance Just give me your hands
I'm repeating my initial request for a chance to be with you. I want to dance with you and hold your hands, all while enjoying a bit of your sweet, romantic personality.

It wont take long for me to tell you who I am Well you hear this voice right now well that's pretty much all I am I'm bailin on my life Cause I'm wailing on my life So please just gimme a kiss
Once again, I'm emphasizing that I'm being genuine and straightforward with you. I'm not happy with my life, which is why I'm seeking comfort and pleasure in a kiss from you.

Contributed by Lillian R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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