The swell of grassroots momentum for The Dirty Guv'nahs has generated consi… Read Full Bio ↴The swell of grassroots momentum for The Dirty Guv'nahs has generated considerable buzz up and down the East Coast recently. Their live shows are selling out venues and theatres from New York City to Florida, where fans pack in to experience a full-bore musical energy characteristic of The Avett Brothers, early Black Crowes, and The Rolling Stones. The group's unlikely genesis took place in their beloved hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. where the community has subsequently elected 'The Guvs' as the 'Best Band In Knoxville' for 4 years running. The Guvs' sound, which has been described as 'a passionate, jubilant slice of rock meets Americana,' is accomplished through a sturdy foundation of gritty guitar tones and tight rhythms, accented with smooth harmonies, crunchy Hammond organ, bluesy piano and vigorous lead guitar solos. The soulful melodies and catchy choruses come courtesy of the band's front man, James Trimble, who has drawn comparisons to Jagger, Morrison, and Springsteen in terms of both voice and energy. The finished delivery is a 'must see live act' that was accurately described by a recent review in Nashville's Music Connection Magazine -- 'The Dirty Guv'nahs possess a vintage zest that's simple enough to attract a variety of listeners, yet a sound mature enough to capture a grizzled industry veteran. This band doesn't just play music; they capture the human spirit through song.'

Courage
The Dirty Guv'nahs Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

what you want is never enough
what you got will leave you in want
and where you stand, waiting in line
so put your hand in mine

courage moves within me
makes me shake
looking for an ending without the way

weary flash, a picture out of tune
stand right next to me
in the same room
try to ignore
try to just pretend
so take your hands and step away

courage moves within me
makes me shake
looking for an ending without the way

courage moves within me
makes me shake
looking for an ending without the way

courage moves within me

makes me shake
looking for an ending without the way

Overall Meaning

The Dirty Guv'nahs's song "Courage" reflects on the ever-present struggle between our desires and our realities. The first two lines convey that we are never truly satisfied with what we have and always want more. The next line speaks to the idea of waiting in line or waiting for our turn at something. This line alludes to the fact that we often find ourselves wanting more while also waiting for something better to come along. However, the chorus offers us a different perspective on these feelings of dissatisfaction and uncertainty. The line "so put your hand in mine" speaks to the importance of connection and partnership in finding courage and facing our fears. We need others to help us navigate the complexities of life, and true courage is built upon our relationships with others.

The second verse emphasizes the importance of shared experiences in building connection and courage. The lines "weary flash, a picture out of tune/stand right next to me/in the same room" suggest that we may feel out of place or disoriented in certain situations, but we can find comfort in knowing that others are also experiencing these feelings. The next lines "try to ignore/try to just pretend/so take your hands and step away" speak to the idea that sometimes we try to ignore our doubts and fears, but it is important to confront them head-on in order to move forward.

Overall, "Courage" is a song about the importance of community and connection in facing the uncertainties of life. We may never feel completely satisfied or have all the answers, but with the support of others, we can find the courage to keep moving forward.

Line by Line Meaning

what you want is never enough
Desires are insatiable and no matter how much we fulfill them, they keep growing

what you got will leave you in want
Life is a journey that cannot be satisfied with material possessions and wealth

and where you stand, waiting in line
Life is a continuous waiting game for happiness and success, and standing in line is symbolic of the same

so put your hand in mine
Encouraging people to hold hands and stick together to face the challenges of life with courage

courage moves within me makes me shake looking for an ending without the way
The inner courage that people possess often makes them unsteady and uncertain. Despite this, they keep moving forward, without knowing what the future holds

weary flash, a picture out of tune stand right next to me in the same room
The world we live in can be tiring and dull, and often we find someone standing next to us, feeling the same way

try to ignore try to just pretend so take your hands and step away
Ignoring or pretending that everything is okay is not a solution, and it's time to take control of the situation and move ahead with positivity.

Writer(s): James T. Trimble, Michael Brian Jenkins

Contributed by Noah A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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