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.

My Last Song To Jenny
The Avett Brothers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh tell me please
that I don't have to read
between the lines
Hey this is me
and you don't have to keep
something heavy on your mind
Did you sleep?
Not a wink

Well neither did I

I've never been
too good at readin' in
between the lines
So babe spell it out
but you don't have to shout
when you're talking to me
Do you care?
Do you care?
Are you there?
Well neither am I

Don't lock your door
everyone is poor
between the lines
And I could never steal
the sadness you feel
when your changing you mind
Oh my dear
Can you hear?
Well neither can I

I want to live
and I want you to live
happy and free
But I don't know how
to seperate the now
from what used to be
Will you sleep?

Not a wink
Well neither will I

Overall Meaning

In The Avett Brothers' song My Last Song to Jenny, the singer is talking to someone and asking them to communicate clearly. He wants them to tell him what they are thinking without subtleties. He worries about them keeping something hidden that is weighing them down. He expresses that he is not good at reading between the lines and wants the person to be clear with him. The singer questions whether the person cares and is there for him because he feels unsure of their support.

The chorus of the song is a plea for the person to be open with him, "Do you care? Are you there? Well neither am I." The singer acknowledges that he is not sure what is going on and wants to understand how to move forward. He encourages the person not to hide behind locked doors and emphasizes that everyone struggles at times. He concludes by saying he wants both of them to be happy but seems uncertain if that is possible based on the singer's past.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh tell me please
Please tell me what's on your mind

that I don't have to read
So I don't have to guess what you mean

between the lines
Without having to infer from indirect or implied meanings

Hey this is me
I am here, ready to listen

and you don't have to keep
You don't need to hold back

something heavy on your mind
A burden or weight that's been occupying your thoughts

Did you sleep?
Did you get any rest?

Not a wink
Didn't sleep at all

Well neither did I
I empathize with you, I didn't sleep either

I've never been
I'm not particularly skilled

too good at readin' in
At understanding or interpreting