Wisely & Slow
The Staves Lyrics


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Brother, you will never know
All the things I did for you
Many years ago

Singer, singing songs of pain
Time may spin and years may pass
The song is still the same
Tender woman mourns a man
Sits in silent sorrow
With a bottle in her hand

Tell me all you need to tell
Why is it you whisper
When you really need to yell





Troubles in tow
Go wisely and slow

Overall Meaning

The Staves's song 'Wisely & Slow' is a beautiful track that covers many deep emotions like the bonds of family, love, pain, and life's struggles. The lyrics are powerful and heart-wrenching. The song begins with the singer addressing her brother and letting him know that she did all she could to help him out in the past, but he may never know the extent of it. The next verse is about a singer who continues to sing songs of pain and how the song never really changes despite the years that pass.


The third verse is about a woman grieving over the loss of her partner with a bottle in her hand, showing how she is coping with the pain. The singer is asking the woman to confide in her and is curious as to why she whispers when she needs to yell about her troubles. The song ends with a powerful reminder to 'go wisely and slow' despite any troubles or pain one may have.


The lyrics seem to be about the importance of being there for each other through the trials and tribulations of life. When someone is going through a time of despair, the most important thing is to be present and offer comfort, even if they don't choose to accept it. The song's message seems to be to 'go wisely and slow,' to take life's challenges one day at a time, and to not rush the healing process.


Line by Line Meaning

Brother, you will never know
The singer reflects that they have done many things for their brother in the past, but their brother may never realize the magnitude of those actions.


All the things I did for you
The singer has done many things for their brother in the past, but their brother may never realize the magnitude of those actions.


Many years ago
The actions the singer did for their brother were completed a long time ago and may have been forgotten.


Singer, singing songs of pain
The singer is expressing their pain through their music.


Time may spin and years may pass
Although time passes, the pain expressed by the singer through their music remains the same.


The song is still the same
The pain expressed through the singer's music has remained unchanged over time.


Tender woman mourns a man
A woman is mourning for a man whom she loved deeply.


Sits in silent sorrow
The woman is deeply sad and expresses her grief inwardly.


With a bottle in her hand
The woman uses alcohol as a way to cope with her grief.


Tell me all you need to tell
The artist is asking someone to confide in them and express their feelings.


Why is it you whisper
The singer is wondering why the person is hesitant to speak up and share their thoughts openly.


When you really need to yell
The artist is encouraging the person to speak up loudly and clearly in order to better express their feelings and be heard.


Troubles in tow
The singer acknowledges that there are problems or challenges that must be dealt with.


Go wisely and slow
The singer advises to proceed with caution and thoughtfulness in order to navigate the challenges more effectively.




Contributed by Maya K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@nivessvajger262

Brother, you will never know
all the things I did for you
many years ago
singer singing songs of pain
time may spin and years may pass
the song is still the same
tender woman mourns a man
sits in silent sorrow
with a bottle in her hand.
tell me all you need to tell
why is it you whisper when you really need to yell
troubles in tow
go wisely and slow
(x2)
Mmmm mmmm mmmm (x a lot)
brother (x2)
brother you will never know (x3



All comments from YouTube:

@exarkunrocks

Every time I hear this song, I think of my friend Elizabeth, a young and tall freshman in college, soft-spoken but passionate, always with a sense of grace, dignity and, above all, beauty.  The Staves were her favorite band, but it was only after her sudden passing in late February that I found out about these three women.  Each time I hear this song, I can't help but think of Lizzie's soft smile and the look she'd give you, a look of innocence but also of knowledge and wisdom far beyond her years.  Thank you for this song.  I don't know what else to say except that.  

@jacobgrindel6669

wow.

@ErnChildofJesus

Keep strong. You will definitely meet your friend Lizzie again.
God Bless

@ts-eu6mp

You, Elizabeth and the Staves are all still important, loved, remembered and thought about! What a precious tribute to your friend! I hope you will always give her a thought! Terri

@osakarose5612

What a beautiful eulogy to your friend. You will meet her again someday. Until then, treasure these precious memories you have of her.

@carloalcos

Haven't listened to this for a while, it's so gorgeous. The harmonies on the word "tender" get me everytime. Love that part.

@osakarose5612

Thank you, Stephen Kruiser (PJ Media), for turning me onto this fantastic sister group. Their harmony is amazing! New favorite singers for me. ❤

@curtisgrindahl446

These young women are SO talented it surprises me they haven't had more success either on YouTube or on the music scene. They are spectacular. Love the tight harmonies... they voices as sisters blend beautifully.

@letzsee9

6 years had past since I last listened to this song. Since then, I had never ever thought about this song anymore, not even on a single day. Suddenly tonight, out of nowhere before going to sleep, these female voices kept playing in my head. It’s amazing how after all these years, I am still able to remember the lyrics and the rhythm. Our brain can be fascinating sometimes.

@moroteseoinage

Three part female vocal harmonies melt my heart ❤️

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