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.
Tell the Truth
The Avett Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell the truth to yourself and the rest will fall in place
I lied to the doctor
I lied to my lover
I wanna make amends, but where do I start
Tell the truth to yourself and the rest will fall in place
Tell the truth to yourself
Tell the truth
(I can make my mother, my father, my sister, my brother, my lover, my neighbor, my friends all happy
Give of myself whatever they ask
But without this single truth it is only emptiness that I cast
A happiness that will not last
But I'm not here for that for what does happiness help without this single truth given to thyself)
I was the coward
I strangled your heart
I wanna make amends, but where do I start?
Tell the truth to yourself and the rest will fall in place
Tell the truth to yourself and the rest will fall in place
Tell the truth to yourself and the rest will fall in place
Tell the truth to yourself and the rest will fall in place
In The Avett Brothers' song "Tell the Truth," honesty plays a pivotal role in the resolution of personal mistakes and shortcomings. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the importance of self-truth in order to obtain personal authenticity and growth. The verses delve into specific examples of situations where the singer lied, presumably for personal gain, but now struggles with guilt and the desire to make amends.
The opening line, "Tell the truth to yourself and the rest will fall in place," sets the tone for the song and establishes honesty as the solution to emotional turmoil. The line is repeated numerous times to further emphasize its significance to the theme of the song. In the second verse, the singer admits to being a "coward" and "strangling" someone's heart, indicating that their dishonesty may have hurt someone else. The line "I wanna make amends, but where do I start?" shows that admitting the truth to oneself is the first step towards apologizing and seeking redemption.
Overall, "Tell the Truth" is a powerful message about the necessity of honesty for personal growth and positive relationships with others. It encourages listeners to be truthful with themselves, confront their mistakes, and work towards a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell the truth to yourself and the rest will fall in place
Acknowledge the truth within yourself, and everything else will become clear.
I lied to the doctor
I deceived the physician.
I lied to my lover
I was untruthful to my romantic partner.
I wanna make amends, but where do I start
I desire to make reparations, but I'm unsure how to begin.
Tell the truth to yourself
Face the truth of your inner self.
I can make my mother, my father, my sister, my brother, my lover, my neighbor, my friends all happy
I am capable of satisfying the desires of those closest to me.
Give of myself whatever they ask
I offer myself freely to their bidding.
But without this single truth it is only emptiness that I cast
If I deny this one truth, everything else in my life feels unfulfilling.
A happiness that will not last
Any joy I experience without acknowledging this truth is temporary.
But I'm not here for that for what does happiness help without this single truth given to thyself
I know that true happiness is impossible without accepting the truth within myself.
I was the coward
I acted with fear and timidity.
I strangled your heart
I hurt you deeply.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Scott Avett, Seth Avett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind