Although Uncle Tupelo broke up before it achieved commercial success, the band is renowned for its impact on the alternative country music scene. The group's first album, No Depression, became a byword for the genre and was widely influential. Uncle Tupelo's sound was unlike popular country music of the time, drawing inspiration from styles as diverse as the hardcore punk of The Minutemen and the country instrumentation and harmony of the Carter Family and Hank Williams. Farrar and Tweedy lyrics frequently referenced Middle America and the working class of Belleville.
Life Worth Livin'
Uncle Tupelo Lyrics
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This song is for the broken-spirited man
This song is for anyone left standing
After the strain of a slow, sad end
It seems everybody wants what someone else has
There's sorrow enough for all
Just go in any bar and ask
All around's a world grown mean
We've all had our ups and downs
It's been mostly down around here
Now this whole damn mess is becoming quite clear
Looks like we're all looking for a life worth livin'
That's why we drink ourselves to sleep
Yeah, we're all looking for a life worth livin'
That's why we pray for our souls to keep
There's nothing left now but broken pieces
Of one man's broken will to care
And in the end before all is said and done
How many others might follow him there?
This song is sung for anyone that's listening
This song is for the broken-spirited man
This song is for anyone left standing
After the strain of a slow, sad end
Midnight is comin' 'round
Still mostly down around here
Now this whole damn mess is becoming quite clear
Uncle Tupelo's song Life Worth Livin' is a somber reflection on the struggles of life and the search for meaning in the midst of hardships. The song is about the universal desire for a life worth living, one that is fulfilling and meaningful, but how that search can sometimes lead to despair and disillusionment. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, as it's sung for anyone who's listening and especially for the broken-spirited man. Despite the struggles and hardships, the song offers a message of hope by acknowledging that there's always someone left standing after the strain of a slow, sad end.
The lyrics highlight the idea that many people want what someone else has, and that there's enough sorrow for everyone. The song mentions going to any bar and asking, with a beer in each hand and a smile in between, showing how the world has become a difficult and unkind place to live in. Everyone has their share of ups and downs, and for many, it has been mostly down. The whole damn mess is becoming clear, and it looks like everyone is searching for a life worth living. Even with the struggles, people still find hope and pray for their souls to keep.
The song ends with the image of broken pieces, suggesting that the search for a life worth living can sometimes lead to brokenness. And in the end, how many others might follow? The song invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the hardships that they go through, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles. It's a song that speaks to the human condition and the search for a better life.
Line by Line Meaning
This song is sung for anyone that's listening
The song is dedicated to those who can relate to its message
This song is for the broken-spirited man
It aims to uplift and encourage those who have lost hope
This song is for anyone left standing
It acknowledges the perseverance of those who have endured hardships
After the strain of a slow, sad end
Despite facing the struggles and difficulties of life
It seems everybody wants what someone else has
Jealousy and envy are prevalent in society
There's sorrow enough for all
Everyone experiences their own share of sorrow and pain
Just go in any bar and ask
People often turn to alcohol to cope with their problems
With a beer in each hand and a smile in between
They may appear happy on the surface, but deep down they're struggling
All around's a world grown mean
The world can be cruel and harsh
We've all had our ups and downs
Life is full of highs and lows
It's been mostly down around here
The singer's personal experiences have been mostly negative
Now this whole damn mess is becoming quite clear
The realization of the harshness of life has become apparent
Looks like we're all looking for a life worth livin'
Everyone desires a fulfilling and meaningful life
That's why we drink ourselves to sleep
Despite this desire, many resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms
Yeah, we're all looking for a life worth livin'
The repetition emphasizes the commonality of human desire for purpose
That's why we pray for our souls to keep
Some find solace in religion and spirituality
There's nothing left now but broken pieces
The struggles and hardships have left the artist feeling broken
Of one man's broken will to care
The cause of this feeling is the lack of care and empathy in the world
And in the end before all is said and done
The final outcome of life is uncertain
How many others might follow him there?
The artist questions how many others will meet the same fate
Midnight is comin' 'round
The passage of time cannot be avoided
Still mostly down around here
The harshness of life still prevails
Now this whole damn mess is becoming quite clear
The repetition highlights the stark reality of life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Spirit Music Group
Written by: JAY FARRAR, JEFF TWEEDY, MIKE HEIDORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind