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.
Sanguine
The Avett Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Help me genuine
Kill the doubt that strangles myself worth
Paint the picture that I swore I heard
Spiritless and mean
Ghost that comes between
I will keep my wits about myself
When it brings the gleam
Longer lasting than me
Oh my love but we are bound to die
My heart is broke but you won't hear me cry
Oh my love but we are bound to die
My heart is broke but you won't see me
Sanguine is a song that explores the themes of self-doubt, mortality, and the importance of love. The opening line, "Make me sanguine, help me genuine," is a plea for peace and authenticity in the face of inner turmoil. The singer is asking to be freed from doubts that are strangling their sense of self-worth, and to be helped in achieving a more genuine sense of self.
The second verse introduces the idea of a "spiritless and mean ghost" that comes between the singer and their goals. This ghost could represent anything from past trauma to a negative inner monologue. The singer vows to "keep their wits about themselves" and ignore the negative influences that seek to hold them back. This verse could be seen as a call to action for those struggling with mental health issues, to take control of their thoughts and refuse to be held back by them.
The chorus brings in the theme of mortality, with the bittersweet acknowledgment that "we are bound to die." Despite this, the singer's love is lasting, bringing a gleam that outshines their own mortality. This line could be interpreted as a reminder that while we may not be able to control the fact that we will die, we can strive to create something lasting through our love and relationships. The final line, "My heart is broke but you won't see me cry," is a declaration of strength in the face of grief and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
Make me sanguine
Help me find inner peace and optimism
Help me genuine
Assist me in being truly authentic
Kill the doubt that strangles myself worth
Eliminate self-doubt that prevents me from recognizing my own value and worth
Paint the picture that I swore I heard
Help me create a clear vision of my desired reality
Spiritless and mean
Feeling without enthusiasm or energy and acting with cruelty
Ghost that comes between
A haunting presence that interferes with or prevents connection
I will keep my wits about myself
I will stay alert and calm in the face of difficulties
Disregard directions sent from hell
Ignore negative influences or destructive messages
When it brings the gleam
When something brings a moment of brightness or joy
Longer lasting than me
Something that will endure beyond my lifetime
Oh my love but we are bound to die
Acknowledgement of the fleeting nature of life
My heart is broke but you won't hear me cry
Although I am hurting, I will not express my pain outwardly
Oh my love but we are bound to die
Reminder that all living beings face mortality
My heart is broke but you won't see me
I am internally dealing with emotional pain in a private manner
Contributed by Nathan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.