Wellwishers
Umphrey's McGee Lyrics


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If you had to make it matter, but you just can't find the words
When you're waiting for an answer that you've already heard
Then you're drowning in the moment 'cause you never leaned to swim
As the distance grows between the shores, you know how this could end

Are you thankful for your well wishers, who put you on your way
Or bitter 'cause your currency is lost in the exchange
So forget about your handfuls, when it's worthless you're sublime
As the sun begins to grow red you're running low on time

I have to wonder, are you stuck under clouds of possibilities?
Or can't you turn against those urges?
They'll desert you, guaranteed
If nothing's certain then that's worse
Than this confusion as it intrudes on you and me

If you fit into your pattern, it should come as no surprise
As it's the safest the stars that shatter you learn to be polite
So be hopeful as a candle is worried for its flame
The more that you could handle here, the less you feel the same

I have to wonder are you stuck under clouds of possibilities
Or can't you turn against those urges?
They'll desert you, guaranteed




If nothings certain than that's worse
Than this confusion as it intrudes on you and me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Umphrey's McGee's song Wellwishers are a poignant reflection on the feelings of uncertainty and doubt that can often accompany our attempts to navigate life's difficult moments. The opening lines suggest a sense of frustration and helplessness in the face of a situation for which words seem inadequate. The waiting for an answer that has already been received is a reminder that sometimes we struggle to accept the reality of our circumstances. The metaphor of drowning underlines the sense of significance that we sometimes attach to small moments, even as it highlights our lack of preparedness for the challenges we face.


The chorus turns the focus to the role of well-wishers in our lives - those who offer us support and encouragement, even when we feel lost or overwhelmed. The mention of currency and exchange suggests that we can sometimes view this support with suspicion or mistrust, as if it were a transaction rather than a genuine expression of care. The image of the setting sun and the dwindling time available to us highlights the fleeting nature of such moments, and the urgent need to make the most of them while we can.


The second verse poses a series of questions that challenge the listener to consider how they approach the problems and possibilities of life. The references to clouds of possibilities and urges that desert us point to the shifting nature of our desires and aspirations, and the problems that can arise when we cling too tightly to them. The final lines offer a warning that uncertainty can be as damaging to our sense of self as confusion, and that we must learn to accept the reality of our situation, even as we strive for something more.


Line by Line Meaning

If you had to make it matter, but you just can't find the words
When you're trying to express something important, but you're struggling to articulate it


When you're waiting for an answer that you've already heard
When you're anticipating a response that you already know


Then you're drowning in the moment 'cause you never leaned to swim
When you're overwhelmed by a situation because you were never prepared for it


As the distance grows between the shores, you know how this could end
As a gap forms between two parties, you become aware of a potential negative outcome


Are you thankful for your well wishers, who put you on your way
Are you grateful for the people who have helped you along the way


Or bitter 'cause your currency is lost in the exchange
Or resentful because you feel like you're not getting back what you put in


So forget about your handfuls, when it's worthless you're sublime
Don't focus on what you have, because it's not valuable in the grand scheme of things


As the sun begins to grow red you're running low on time
As time ticks away, your opportunities diminish


I have to wonder, are you stuck under clouds of possibilities?
Are you struggling with the abundance of choices and opportunities available to you?


Or can't you turn against those urges?
Or are you unable to resist the temptation of those opportunities?


They'll desert you, guaranteed
Those opportunities will almost certainly disappear or abandon you eventually


If nothing's certain then that's worse
It's harder to deal with uncertainty than it is to face a definite outcome


Than this confusion as it intrudes on you and me
Than the turmoil that arises as a result of that uncertainty affecting us


If you fit into your pattern, it should come as no surprise
If you adhere to your usual routine or tendencies, the result should be predictable


As it's the safest the stars that shatter you learn to be polite
It's safer to conform to expectations and be agreeable, even if it means suppressing your true self


So be hopeful as a candle is worried for its flame
Stay optimistic about the future, even when things seem uncertain


The more that you could handle here, the less you feel the same
The more capable you become in a situation, the less invested or interested you may feel




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOEL CUMMINS, BRENDAN BAYLISS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jwelsh8

Well done, Jeff and Kev. Dig it. A lot.

@Schaeff48

Very cool, it amazes me how a video can vastly increase my enjoyment of a song. I think maybe the cake was my favorite part.

@bashopoem

Great job!

@cmagic74

So cool....Go Umphs!!!

@mbenskey

Dig the words on the piano keys... awesome job!

@ChrisBace1

Nice work fellas! Very creative!

@owenmcgee8496

This is surprisingly good.

@brmperc

Love it. As creative as a Stew

@JoeBlutenKat

Well done fellas...Keep em comin!

@justplugs

Awesome

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