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.
Murder in the City
The Avett Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't go revengin in my name
One person dead from such is plenty
No need to go get locked away
When I leave your arms
The things that I think of
No need to get over long
I wonder which brother is better
Which one our parents love the most
I sure did get in lots of trouble
They seem to let the other go
A tear fell from my father's eyes
I wondered what my dad would say
He said I love you and I'm proud of you both
in so many different ways
If I get murdered in the city
Go read the letter in my desk
Don't worry with all my belongings
But pay attention to the list
Make sure my sister knows I loved her
Make sure my mother knows the same
Always remember, there was nothing worth sharing
Like the love that let us share our name
Always remember, there was nothing worth sharing
Like the love that let us share our name
The Avett Brothers' song "Murder in the City" is a heartfelt ode to family and love in the face of death. The song opens with the singer telling his loved ones not to seek revenge if he is murdered, emphasizing that one death is enough and that there's no need to add another. The song speaks to the theme of forgiveness and letting go of anger, even in the face of tragedy.
The second verse speaks to the idea of sibling rivalry, with the singer wondering which brother is better and which one their parents love more. Despite this conflict, the singer expresses love for both himself and his brother, acknowledging that they've both had their fair share of trouble. The third verse communicates a sense of parental love and pride, as the singer's father tells his sons that he loves and is proud of them both in different ways, regardless of their past troubles.
The final verse of the song brings everything together, instructing the loved ones left behind on how to handle the singer's affairs in the event of his death. He emphasizes the importance of family, instructing his sister and mother to know that he loved them dearly, and reminding them that love is the most important thing to share between family members. The song's message is one of forgiveness, appreciation, and love, even in the face of tragedy.
Line by Line Meaning
If I get murdered in the city
If something were to happen to me in this urban place
Don't go revengin in my name
Do not seek vengeance on my behalf
One person dead from such is plenty
Losing one life for it is more than enough
No need to go get locked away
Do not risk imprisonment over it
When I leave your arms
After I depart from your embrace
The things that I think of
The thoughts and memories that occupy my mind
No need to get over long
Do not dwell on them for too long
I'm comin' home
I am returning to our shared dwelling
I wonder which brother is better
I often ponder which sibling is superior
Which one our parents love the most
Who has more favor with our progenitors
I sure did get in lots of trouble
I certainly had my share of difficulties
They seem to let the other go
They appeared more lenient with the other
A tear fell from my father's eyes
My paternal unit shed a tear
I wondered what my dad would say
I was curious as to my father's response
He said I love you and I'm proud of you both
He expressed his love and pride for both of us
in so many different ways
There were numerous facets to his emotions
If I get murdered in the city
If something were to happen to me in this urban place
Go read the letter in my desk
Please read the personal message I left on my desk
Don't worry with all my belongings
Do not concern yourself with my possessions
But pay attention to the list
But do take note of the specific instructions
Make sure my sister knows I loved her
Ensure that my sibling is aware of my affections for her
Make sure my mother knows the same
Similarly, make certain our female parent understands the same sentiment
Always remember, there was nothing worth sharing
Never forget that there is no item or idea worth dividing us
Like the love that let us share our name
The affection that bonded us as family is what mattered most
Always remember, there was nothing worth sharing
Never forget that there is no item or idea worth dividing us
Like the love that let us share our name
The affection that bonded us as family is what mattered most
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Scott Avett, Timothy Avett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
JapCarRealGood
1:09
I wonder which brother is better
Which one our parents loved the most
I sure did get in lots of trouble
They seemed to let the other go
A tear fell from my father's eye
I wondered what my dad would say
He said, "I love you and I'm proud of you both,
In so many different ways" <--- This is right where I lost it.
What an amazing song.
Jean Like a pair of Levi's
My son chose Murder In The City for our Mother/Son dance at his wedding in Oct 2014. I had never heard of the song nor The Avett Brothers. I thought it was quite an odd choice, but all of my son's friends thought it was perfect. Late that night, after the wedding, I looked up the song and the lyrics. I sat there listening with tears streaming down my face. It was so beautiful and so fitting. I fell in love with their music and attended one of their concerts in April 2015. Also, each December, in the busyness of the season, I text each of my sons saying, "Always remember there was nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name.". Thank you, Scott, Seth, Bob, and Joe. Keep playing your beautiful music.
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🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
Matt Casper
I was listening to Pandora on my computer at work the first day back to work after losing my father in 2013 and this song randomly came on which brought me to my knees. One of the best ever.
zerozerohero
You're a cool mom
Barbara Svatek
Awesome post - 6 years old but new to me. This song touches my soul - like most of their songs do. Their voices and instruments make the music that carry the lyrics deep - so spiritual, this intertwined dance of music/words - that my soul swells in my chest! Every time I listen to it. And on many levels, as a mom, daughter, friend - and now grandma. They get it. God made us human in the hopes we’d fulfill our destiny - to love Him first, of course as our Creator; Savior; & Spirit. But second to love others. Each of us has been born with unique, unrepeatable gifts of expression. Use them with love. Be the best welder, accountant, software developer, data processor, salesman, mother and father you can be: by loving and willing the best for everyone. And that’s just what the Avetts do for us. And I hope we all go out and do the same for everyone who crosses our path on this journey Home. It’s hard being a human. Give your brother a hand.
Angie Heyward
YES you took the words right out of my mouth! And what a wonderful idea that was for him to choose that song. Their music is so beautiful and it's helped me through so much . I know exactly how you feel .
Haley Comfort
I lost my brother two years ago, to suicide. 6 months later my other brother died of a drug overdose. It’s still hard, and the sadness comes quietly. But this song has been very healing to listen to. I like to imagine my first brother is singing the first verse to my second brother, and that my second brother is singing the second verse to the rest of our family left behind. Powerful lyrics.
ahaning
I'm so sorry for your pain and I'm glad you're able to find some peace in these simple but powerful words.
Hope you're doing well. Love always.
Samantha Shane
I’m sorry for your loss Haley. I hope you’re doing well ❤️
gabe bergeron
Just read this comment stay strong the pain wont go away but try to remember the time you spent together