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.
When I Drink
The Avett Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I say things I don't want to say
I do things I don't wanna do
I talk mean to you
But if I think
I just might get something out of this
My parents taught me to learn when I miss
Just do your best
It's the only way to keep that last bit of sanity
Maybe I don't have to be good but I can try to be
At least a little better than I've been so far
'Cause when I drink
I hear things that aren't really there
I feel things when I shouldn't really care
Have fist fights with the air
But if I think about someone besides myself
I lived through the silver and the bell
With something to tell
Just do your best
It's the only way to keep that last bit of sanity
Maybe I don't have to be good but I can try to be
At least a little better than I've been so far
But when I drink
I spend the next morning in a haze
But we only get so many days
Now I have one less
Just do your best
It's the only way to keep that last bit of sanity
Maybe I don't have to be good but I can try to be
At least a little better than I've been so far
Oh, at least a little better than I've been so far
The Avett Brothers' song "When I Drink" is a powerful message about trying to better yourself despite your flaws. The recurring theme in the lyrics is the idea that drinking can make people act out of character, which is something that they may regret. The singer of the song acknowledges that when he drinks, he tends to say things he shouldn't say, do things he shouldn't do, and talk mean to someone he cares about. However, the song makes it clear that he's not proud of his behavior and wants to change.
The lyrics "If I think I just might get something out of this, my parents taught me to learn when I miss, just do your best, just do your best," acknowledge that the singer has been taught to learn from his mistakes and strive to improve himself. When he drinks, he also hears things that aren't really there, feels things when he shouldn't, and gets into fights with no one at all. But his realization that he needs to think about someone besides himself and live with something to tell helps him to grow and strive to be a better person.
The song concludes with the singer realizing that drinking can have serious consequences and that every day counts. Despite his past mistakes, he resolves to do his best to improve himself and do more good. The lyrics "But we only get so many days, now I have one less, just do your best, it's the only way to keep that last bit of sanity" reinforce the idea that we should all strive to be the best versions of ourselves before our time runs out.
Line by Line Meaning
When I drink
Alcohol affects me and changes my behavior
I say things I don't want to say
I speak without filter and often regret my words later
I do things I don't wanna do
I act impulsively and without regard for consequences
I talk mean to you
I am rude or harsh to those close to me
But if I think
Reflecting on my actions and decisions can lead to personal growth
I just might get something out of this
I can learn from my mistakes and use them to improve myself
My parents taught me to learn when I miss
My upbringing instilled in me the value of learning from failure
Just do your best
Giving my all is the best I can do, even when it's not perfect
It's the only way to keep that last bit of sanity
Maintaining effort and focus is crucial for mental wellbeing
Maybe I don't have to be good but I can try to be
Perfection is not necessary, but self-improvement is always an option
At least a little better than I've been so far
Progression and growth, no matter how small, is still worthy and valuable
'Cause when I drink
Alcohol affects me and changes my behavior
I hear things that aren't really there
My perception and judgment are distorted by alcohol consumption
I feel things when I shouldn't really care
My emotions become exaggerated or misplaced due to alcohol
Have fist fights with the air
I become aggressive or violent toward objects or imaginary targets
But if I think about someone besides myself
Thinking of others and their perspective can help me act more considerately
I lived through the silver and the bell
I have had experiences and challenges that have shaped me
With something to tell
I have stories and lessons to share and reflect on
I spend the next morning in a haze
The aftereffects of alcohol can cause physical and mental impairment
But we only get so many days
Life is a limited resource and it's important to make the most of it
Now I have one less
Time continues to pass and opportunities can be missed
Oh, at least a little better than I've been so far
Continual self-improvement is a worthy pursuit
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: SCOTT YANCEY AVETT, TIMOTHY SETH AVETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Wendy Fairfull
Sober since Oct 29, 2015. I listen to this song when I'm tempted. The Avett Brothers have a song for every emotion I experience. The highs and the lows.
rdlett1pp yup
Best song about alcoholism I've ever heard. Trying to beat it
pvmthe2nd
Do you what you gotta do man
999 Metalhead
"Just do your best"
Mike Henderson
Too many lines in this song hit me in the head, and I'm still a fucking moron.
Bee abbi
Have listened to the avett brothers for as long as I can remember. Brings me back to when I was 7 years old running around while my dad played this on guitar. The love I have for these songs
Timothy Brignac
I grew up with these boys. So glad to see you guys blowing up. I can still picture Margo playing the lions hut in mt pleasant and nemo playing clubs in Charlotte .
Dominic Board
wait so your this guy's father?
MonaLisaTime
Love this...except I don't need to drink to say all the wrong things and pretty much all those other things. Just do your best...we only get so many days.
Jake Lowrey
This is the song I show people when I turn down a drink or a blunt or whatever.