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 Perfect Space
The Avett Brothers Lyrics
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That love me for the man I've become, not the man I was
And I wanna have friends that'll let me be
All alone when being alone is all that I need
I wanna fit in to the perfect space
Feel natural and safe in a volatile place
And I wanna grow old without the pain
Will you understand when I am too old of a man?
And will you forget when we have paid our debt
Who did we borrow from? Who did we borrow from?
Okay part two, now clear the house
The party's over, take the shouting and the people
Get out!
I have some business and a promise that I have to hold to
I do not care what you assume or what the people told you
Will you understand, when I am too old of a man?
And will you forget when we have paid our debt
Who did we borrow from? Who did borrow from?
I wanna have pride like my mother has
And not like the kind in the bible that turns you bad
I wanna have friends that I can trust
That love me for the man I've become and not the man that I was
"The Perfect Space" is a poignant and introspective song by The Avett Brothers, exploring themes of friendship, acceptance, and aging. In the first verse, the singer expresses a desire for authentic and trustworthy friends who accept him for who he is now, rather than judging him based on his past mistakes. He also seeks the freedom to be alone when he needs to, without feeling guilty or ashamed. The second verse continues to tackle issues of identity and aging, as the singer envisions growing old without succumbing to bitterness or regret. Ultimately, he longs for a life filled with meaningful relationships and genuine pride, both in himself and in those around him.
The song's title alludes to the idea of finding the "perfect space" in life - a place of contentment and belonging where one feels truly at home. This is a universal human desire that crosses boundaries of age, race, and culture. However, the song acknowledges that this search is not always easy, and that it may involve enduring hardship and facing difficult choices.
The Avett Brothers are known for their deeply personal lyrics and emotionally charged performances, and "The Perfect Space" is no exception. By delving into themes of friendship, acceptance, and aging, the song invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and relationships, and to contemplate what it means to find one's own perfect space in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna have friends that I can trust
I desire to have companions that I can rely on
That love me for the man I've become, not the man I was
I want them to love my current self and not my past self
And I wanna have friends that'll let me be
I want my friends to allow me to be by myself
All alone when being alone is all that I need
Sometimes I require solitude and I want them to understand that
I wanna fit in to the perfect space
I desire to feel like I belong
Feel natural and safe in a volatile place
I want to feel secure even in uncertain situations
And I wanna grow old without the pain
I hope to age without suffering
Give my body back to the earth and not complain
I want to accept death calmly and naturally
Will you understand when I am too old of a man?
I wonder if my companions will comprehend me as I age
And will you forget when we have paid our debt
Will you forgive me if I owe you and pay you back?
Who did we borrow from? Who did we borrow from?
Who lent us the money that we must return?
Okay part two, now clear the house
Now it's time to ask everyone to leave
The party's over, take the shouting and the people
The event has ended, take the noise and the guests
I have some business and a promise that I have to hold to
I have some duties and a commitment to fulfill
I do not care what you assume or what the people told you
I don't mind what you or others think about me
I wanna have pride like my mother has
I wish to possess the same dignity as my mother
And not like the kind in the bible that turns you bad
But not the type of pride described in the bible that leads to evil
That love me for the man I've become and not the man that I was
I want people to care for who I am now and not who I was in my past
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Robert Crawford, Scott Avett, Timothy Avett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind