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.
Pretty Girl From Feltre
The Avett Brothers Lyrics
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I can see that you need more
My boots are on my feet now
My bag is by the door
And the love and the attention
That you need and ask me for
Are weakened by my actions
I'm scared to think that I've abandoned you
I'd like to say that I'm a faithful man but it may not be true
And my heart is like a mason's
Hands of weathered skin
Each scar makes it harder
For me to hurt again
I'm scared to think that I've abandoned you
I'd like to say that I'm a faithful man but it may not be true
Gabriella, the things that I tell ya
Are all meant to help ya
Are they working out
Have I gone, have I gone and failed ya
Gabriella, have I let you down
Gabriella, the things that I tell ya
Are all meant to help ya
Are they working out
Have I gone, have I gone and failed ya
Gabriella, have I let you down
The Avett Brothers’ song A Pretty Girl From Feltre is a complex and emotional expression of a man’s struggle with his own shortcomings and the fear of letting down someone he cares deeply about. The singer, who is no more than a friend to a woman named Gabriella, recognizes her need for love, attention, and fidelity, which he is unable to provide due to his own actions and lies. Despite his desire to be a faithful man and his recognition of the harm he is causing, he remains crippled by fear and uncertainty, unable to fully commit to Gabriella or to let her go.
The metaphor of the heart as a mason’s hands of weathered skin, with each scar making it harder to hurt again, reveals the singer’s struggle to overcome his own past mistakes and to open himself up to the vulnerability of love. He fears the possibility of abandonment, both of Gabriella by him and of himself by her, and questions whether his efforts to help her are actually working or if he has let her down. Through this poignant and relatable portrayal of emotional struggle, The Avett Brothers provide a powerful reminder of the complexities and challenges of love and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm no more than a friend girl
I don't have any romantic feeling towards you and just like any other friend.
I can see that you need more
I can see that you need someone who can love and care for you more than just a friend.
My boots are on my feet now
I am ready to leave and go away from you.
My bag is by the door
I have packed my bags and ready to move out.
And the love and the attention
You need love and attention from someone who can give it to you wholeheartedly.
That you need and ask me for
You have expressed your need for love and attention, but I couldn't fulfill it.
Are weakened by my actions
My behavior and actions have made you doubt my love and attention towards you.
And lies that I have told
I have lied to you, which has further damaged our already weak relationship.
I'm scared to think that I've abandoned you
I am afraid to realize that I may have left you alone and broken-heartedly.
I'd like to say that I'm a faithful man but it may not be true
Despite wanting to claim that I am loyal and faithful, it may not be the case.
And my heart is like a mason's
My heart is hardened and rough, like a mason's hands, due to past hurts and traumas.
Hands of weathered skin
My heart has endured a lot of pain and has become hardened.
Each scar makes it harder
Each past hurt and wound has made it difficult for me to love and trust again.
For me to hurt again
I am scared of getting hurt again and, as a result, may hurt others in return.
Gabriella, the things that I tell ya
Gabriella, everything I tell you is meant to help and guide you.
Are all meant to help ya
My words are intended to support and uplift you.
Are they working out
I am unsure if my advice is actually helping you or not.
Have I gone, have I gone and failed ya
I am worried that despite my best intentions, I may have let you down.
Gabriella, have I let you down
I am asking you if I have disappointed, betrayed, or failed you in any way.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: SCOTT YANCEY AVETT, TIMOTHY SETH AVETT, ROBERT WILLIAM CRAWFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind