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.
Nothing Short of Thankful
The Avett Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you think we'll ever get back home?
Well I (guess)
We choose our battles one by one.
How I need (rest)
One more day of travel on the road.
How we've been (blessed)
Some times I don't feel that way.
Nothing's gonna change my mind,
I'm walkin' a different highway.
Nothing's gonna change my mind.
I'm travelin' a different line.
Oh, nothing's gonna change my mind.
You'll find what you need if you want it.
Nothing's gonna change my mind.
I'll find mine.
Brothers (yes)
I know I'm up and down.
Please, try to (accept)
Apologies for the sadness that I've found.
The years we've (spent)
Nothing short of grateful for our trip.
And those we've (met)
Nothing short of thankful.
Nothing's gonna change my mind,
I'm travelin' a different highway.
Nothing's gonna change my mind.
I'm walkin' a different line.
Oh, nothing's gonna change my mind.
You'll find what you need if you want it.
Nothing's gonna change my mind.
I'll find mine.
Boss man said work your way
Put it off for another day
I'm not listening tomorrow may not come
Lazy men find an easy way
Easy work for easy pay
I'm not listening there ain't no such a thing
Boss man said work your way
Put if off for another day
I'm not listening tomorrow may not come
Lazy men find an easy way
Easy work for easy pay
I'm not listening there ain't no such a thing as that
Hey man (yo)
Do you think they're listening
to a thing? (no no no)
I wonder what's on their mind.
We all should (go)
Break down the walls being built around us.
We'll make a (show)
Make it for our sons and our daughters.
Nothing's gonna change my mind,
I'm walkin' a different highway.
Nothing's gonna change my mind.
I'm travelin' a different line.
Oh, nothing's gonna change my mind.
You'll find what you need if you want it.
Nothing's gonna change my mind.
I'll find mine.
The Avett Brothers' song "Nothing Short of Thankful" is a poignant reflection on the journey of life and the choices that we make along the way. The opening lines of the song set the scene for a conversation between two friends who are on the road, trying to find their way back home. They discuss the challenges of their journey and the need for rest, but also acknowledge the blessings that they have experienced despite the difficulties they've faced.
As the song progresses, the lyrics speak to the idea that we all have our own path to travel, and that sometimes this means going against the expectations or demands of others. The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, affirms the singer's commitment to staying true to their own path and finding what they need along the way. The song also touches on themes of friendship, gratitude, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Overall, "Nothing Short of Thankful" is a heartfelt and introspective song that encourages listeners to reflect on their own journeys and the choices they've made. It reminds us that even in the midst of hardship and uncertainty, there is always hope and the possibility of finding our way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey man (yes)
Starting a conversation with a friend
Do you think we'll ever get back home?
Wondering about whether or not they will be able to return home
Well I (guess)
Uncertain response
We choose our battles one by one.
Taking things one step at a time
How I need (rest)
Tired and in need of rest
One more day of travel on the road.
Still have to travel more to get back home
How we've been (blessed)
Grateful for what they have
Some times I don't feel that way.
Can feel down despite their blessings
Nothing's gonna change my mind,
Determined to stick to their own path
I'm walkin' a different highway.
Going against the norm
I'm travelin' a different line.
Taking an unconventional route
Oh, nothing's gonna change my mind.
Reaffirming their determination
You'll find what you need if you want it.
You can achieve anything if you put in the effort
I'll find mine.
I will achieve my own goals
Brothers (yes)
Addressing fellow band members
I know I'm up and down.
Acknowledging their emotional fluctuations
Please, try to (accept)
Asking for acceptance
Apologies for the sadness that I've found.
Expressing regret for the negative emotions they bring
The years we've (spent)
Reflecting on the time they've spent together
Nothing short of grateful for our trip.
Feeling deeply grateful for their journey
And those we've (met)
Thinking fondly of the people they've encountered
Nothing short of thankful.
Expressing gratitude towards those they've met
Boss man said work your way
Referencing the pressure to work constantly
Put it off for another day
Procrastination is not a solution
I'm not listening tomorrow may not come
Rejecting the idea of endlessly deferring tasks
Lazy men find an easy way
Dismissing the notion of easy solutions
Easy work for easy pay
Arguing that getting by on the bare minimum is not the answer
I'm not listening there ain't no such a thing
Rejecting false assertions
Hey man (yo)
Initiating another conversation
Do you think they're listening
Wondering if anyone else is paying attention
to a thing? (no no no)
Doubting that anyone is listening
I wonder what's on their mind.
Pondering the thoughts of others
We all should (go)
Proposing a course of action
Break down the walls being built around us.
Urging to break free from societal constraints
We'll make a (show)
Putting on a display
Make it for our sons and our daughters.
Doing it for the sake of future generations
Contributed by Elijah F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Coolidge
i'm from their hometown and these guys are great live, on albums, and personally. Great shows, plenty of beer, whiskey, weed, and women.!! Go see them whenever you have a chance. They do not disappoint! one awesome show would have been Avett Brothers, Hank III, and Hasil Adkins! think how sweet that would be
Ghost Monkey
Watching this video made me realize that I was in love with this band. 🖤
Chris Hartsell
I'm from their hometown so I know what you mean about about those old shows. Saw several of them. It was definitely greatness in the making but if you go to a show now it is still legendary greatness. I personally wouldn't say their energy is gone. I just think it is a combination of getting older, heavier work load, and balancing out their performances from high energy to low. I loved the Avetts then, I love the Avetts now, and I will love the Avetts until my time on Earth is up.
Tea Time with Liv
This will always be one of my favorite Avett Brothers videos. I remember showing this to a friend years ago and them saying, "Wow...they're unique." Who knew the brothers would come so far!
Michael Buchanan
This is great love the energy
Michael Buchanan
i love this song. they have a great time doing it. with all the shouting its great
Junkhead1993
Its nice to see that good music can still be made, i hate everything out right now but the Avett Brothers kick ass, they rock!!
waxcritic
Ah the Avetts of yesterday. Well before Rick Rubin and a drum kit and the piano. If you were lucky enough to see these guys in this phase of their career, you definitely witnessed greatness in the making. Shows from this era were like religious experiences, filling small clubs and theaters with an indescribable energy. I gotta say, I saw them in Philly awhile back in support of I and Love and You and that energy seemed kind of gone.
Derek Harlan
EPIC! My ears are in awe.
Max Brand
I was at this show. :) First time I saw 'em....and it was amazing. Saw them twice at the Viarety Playhouse too. Both amazing shows. I'd totally see than again, but it's certainly not the same. :)