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.
Ten Thousand Words
The Avett Brothers Lyrics
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Ten million more in books written beneath my bed
I wrote or read them all when searchin' in the swarms
Still can't find out how to hold my hands
And I know you need me in the next room over
But I am stuck in here all paralyzed
For months I got myself in ruts
Ain't it like most people? I'm no different
We love to talk on things we don't know about
Ain't it like most people? I'm no different
We love to talk on things we don't know about
And everyone around me shakes their head in disbelief
And says I'm too caught up
They say young is good and old is fine
And truth is cool but all that matters
Is that you have your good times
But their good times come with prices
And I can't believe it when I hear the jokes they make
At anyone's expense except their own
Would they laugh if they knew who paid?
Ain't it like most people? I'm no different
We love to talk on things we don't know about
Ain't it like most people? I'm no different
We love to talk on things we don't know about
And after we are through ten years
Of making it to be the most of glorious debuts
I'll come back home without my things
'Cause the clothes I wore out there
I will not wear 'round you
And they'll be quick to point out our shortcomings
And how the experts all have had their doubts
Ain't it like most people? I'm no different
We love to talk on things we don't know about
Ain't it like most people? I'm no different
We love to talk on things we don't know about
Ain't it like most people? I'm no different
We love to talk on things we don't know about
Ain't it like most people? I'm no different
We love to talk on things we don't know about
The lyrics to The Avett Brothers’ “Ten Thousand Words” provide a commentary on the human condition with a reflection on how we often speak on things we don’t truly know about. The opening lines suggest the excess of information and knowledge that we may accumulate as individuals, yet we may still find ourselves struggling to hold onto something as simple as our own hands. The singer is trapped in their own thoughts and seems to be paralyzed, unable to act on the things they know. The reference to mirrors framed in yellow walls could suggest a sense of confinement or stagnation. The feeling of being stuck is further highlighted by the second verse where the singer laments their inability to leave their own concerns and engage with those around them.
The chorus repeats that “Ain’t it like most people? I’m no different / We love to talk on things we don’t know about”. The repetition enforces the idea that we are all subject to this behaviour, whether we realise it or not. The singer’s reflection on this behaviour is a critical one, and we are left with the impression that the singer desires to move beyond this way of engaging with the world. The final verse brings the song full circle with a reflection on how success and fame may change us and how we may be judged by those who knew us before. The line “I’ll come back home without my things” suggests a loss of something that was of great value to the singer, but now holds no meaning.
Overall, the song is a poignant reminder that we are all human and subject to the same biases and behaviours. The Avett Brothers use their impressive lyricism and musical talent to create a song that is immediately relatable, yet also rich with meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
Ten thousand words swarm around my head
A lot of thoughts and ideas are flooding my mind.
Ten million more in books written beneath my bed
Countless more ideas are written down in books that I have.
I wrote or read them all when searchin' in the swarms
I have either written or read all of these thoughts in hopes of finding something.
Still can't find out how to hold my hands
I can't seem to figure out how to grasp onto things.
And I know you need me in the next room over
I am aware that someone needs me in the nearby room.
But I am stuck in here all paralyzed
I am paralyzed and cannot move.
For months I got myself in ruts
I have been stuck in unproductive patterns for months.
Too much time spent in mirrors framed in yellow walls
I have spent too much time focusing on myself and in a limited space.
Ain't it like most people? I'm no different
Most people are the same in that they like to talk about things they know nothing about.
We love to talk on things we don't know about
We enjoy discussing topics that we have no real knowledge or experience on.
And everyone around me shakes their head in disbelief
Everyone around me is in disbelief about my current situation.
And says I'm too caught up
They feel that I am too preoccupied.
They say young is good and old is fine
There are benefits to both youth and old age.
And truth is cool but all that matters
While honesty is valued, what is most important is enjoying oneself.
Is that you have your good times
The ultimate goal is to experience good times.
But their good times come with prices
However, these good times often come with consequences.
And I can't believe it when I hear the jokes they make
I find some of their jokes inappropriate and hurtful.
At anyone's expense except their own
They make fun of others without considering the impact it has.
Would they laugh if they knew who paid?
If they knew the true cost, would they still find it funny?
And after we are through ten years
After a decade of success,
Of making it to be the most of glorious debuts
having made a name for ourselves in the industry,
I'll come back home without my things
I will return home without any of the things I gained.
'Cause the clothes I wore out there
Because the items I wore out there
I will not wear 'round you
I won't wear around those close to me.
And they'll be quick to point out our shortcomings
Others will be quick to highlight our failures.
And how the experts all have had their doubts
They will say that even the experts were skeptical of us.
Ain't it like most people? I'm no different
Just like most people, I am no different.
We love to talk on things we don't know about
We enjoy discussing topics that we have no real knowledge or experience on.
Ain't it like most people? I'm no different
Just like most people, I am no different.
We love to talk on things we don't know about
We enjoy discussing topics that we have no real knowledge or experience on.
Ain't it like most people? I'm no different
Just like most people, I am no different.
We love to talk on things we don't know about
We enjoy discussing topics that we have no real knowledge or experience on.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Robert Crawford, Scott Avett, Timothy Avett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind