The Avett Brothers is an American folk-rock band that originated in Concord… Read Full Bio ↴The Avett Brothers is an American folk-rock band that originated in Concord, North Carolina. Two brothers, Seth Avett and Scott Avett, formed the group in 2000 after the breakup of the former rock band, Nemo, adding a third member, Bob Crawford. Subsequently, they have been joined by cellist Joe Kwon. The Avett Brothers combine old-time country, bluegrass, punk, pop melodies, folk, rock and roll, honky tonk and ragtime to produce a sound described by the Washington Post as "post civil-war modern rock", or by other reviewers as "grungegrass". For a long time the group eschewed labels, feeling that "none would do the music justice." Ironically, the Avetts signed to Columbia Records on Independence Day 2008 to record their fifth album with acclaimed producer Rick Rubin. It's simply left up to each person to extract his or her own account from the Avetts' music."

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.

The New Love Song
The Avett Brothers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ellegant and soft
Feminine as you ougt
One with earth and one with God
Won't you please forgive me
Won't you please forgive me

As the daylight sinks
As I fail to stop and think

Once I cursed the things I've done
Won't you please forgive me
Won't you please forgive me

Young bride take my name
Burn the questions burn the shame
You don't have to live by them
Won't you please forgive them
Won't you please forgive them

Sleep well when the night time falls
Wait 'till morning when I call
Don't believe the bad you saw
Won't you please forgive them

Tenderness and grace
How you've come this place
However dangerous or safe

I'll find within you
I'll find within you

Overall Meaning

The Avett Brothers' The New Love Song is a beautiful ballad that explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and acceptance. The opening lines of the first verse, "Elegant and soft, feminine as you ought, one with earth and one with God, won't you please forgive me, won't you please forgive me," set the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is addressing someone who embodies qualities of grace, femininity, and spirituality, and is seeking forgiveness for something they have done wrong.

As the song progresses, the singer continues to plead for forgiveness, acknowledging their mistakes and shortcomings. They urge the listener to "burn the questions, burn the shame," essentially letting go of any feelings of guilt or regret. The second verse, "As the daylight sinks, as I fail to stop and think, once I cursed the things I've done, won't you please forgive me, won't you please forgive me," reinforces this sentiment of acknowledging past mistakes and asking for forgiveness.

In the third verse, the singer addresses a young bride and encourages her to take control of her own life and not be defined by societal expectations or judgment. The final verse, "Tenderness and grace, how you've come this place, however dangerous or safe, I'll find within you, I'll find within you," seems to express a sense of acceptance and admiration for the person they are addressing, and the idea that no matter what happens, they will always find that grace and tenderness within them.

Overall, The New Love Song is a deeply personal and emotional ballad that beautifully captures the complexities of human relationships and the power of forgiveness and acceptance.

Line by Line Meaning

Ellegant and soft
You possess a sense of poise and delicacy

Feminine as you ougt
You embody qualities traditionally associated with women

One with earth and one with God
You feel connected to both nature and spirituality

Won't you please forgive me
Asking for forgiveness for past wrongs

As the daylight sinks
As the day draws to a close

As I fail to stop and think
As I act impulsively without considering the consequences

Once I cursed the things I've done
I regret my past actions

Young bride take my name
Asking someone to marry him and take his last name

Burn the questions burn the shame
Let go of doubts and insecurities

You don't have to live by them
You are not bound by societal expectations

Won't you please forgive them
Asking for forgiveness on behalf of others