And Then Some
Life's Echoes: A Tale of Resilience and Redemption in 'And Then Some'
Lyrics
I shook my head as he walked up thought he wanted a couple bucks
The narrator observes a man approaching, initially thinking he's seeking money.
In his ragged clothes and hair down to his shoulders
The man is described as disheveled with long hair, creating a certain perception.
But he said I bet that you aren’t even thirty yet
The man challenges the narrator's demeanor, suggesting he appears older and troubled.
You hang your head like your life is almost over
The narrator seems despondent, giving the impression that his life is in a dire state.
I said old man leave me alone I just got laid off
The narrator deflects the man, mentioning his recent job loss.
Then I asked him whens the last time he had a job
The narrator questions the man about his own job history.
CHORUS
The chorus begins.
He said it was 68 he was about my age in a chopper over Hanoi
The man shares his experience as a soldier in the Vietnam War, revealing trauma.
He got shot down and even now he’s afraid to sleep at night
He still struggles with the aftermath of war, especially during sleep.
After 5 long years in a bamboo cage the army calls you crazy
Reference to being labeled 'crazy' by the army after enduring captivity.
and take your wings away I know where you’re coming from
Consequence of war - losing one's identity and achievements (wings).
Been there and then some
Reiteration of the narrator's understanding and shared experience.
I said old man I’ll give you that I never had it quite that bad
The narrator acknowledges the man's hardship but asserts his unique struggles.
losing a job ain’t all that there is to it
Loss of a job is compared to the narrator's recent separation from his wife.
three weeks ago my wife moved out I just got home from being out of town
The narrator shares personal struggles, highlighting the complexity of his situation.
You don’t know what thats like till you been through it
The emotional impact of the wife leaving is emphasized.
Can you imagine how it feels to hear she found someone
Expressing the pain of discovering the wife's new relationship.
then I asked him whens the last time you lost a love
The man is questioned about his experiences with lost love.
CHORUS
The chorus repeats, emphasizing shared experiences of pain and loss.
He said when that C-130 touched the earth on a runway out in Dover
The man recounts a heartbreaking homecoming experience after military service.
Man I was coming home had my medals on but she wasn’t in the crowd
The narrator's wife isn't there after being missing in action for a prolonged period.
When you’re MIA two thousand days she thinks you’re dead and your best friend takes your place I know where you’re coming from
The challenges of being MIA for an extended period are explained.
Been there and then some
Reiteration of shared experiences, emphasizing understanding and empathy.
BRIDGE
The bridge section begins.
That old man made me realize that you never give up hope
The man's stories inspire hope and resilience, emphasizing the importance of not giving up.
He got there in the nick of time with those stories that he told
The man's stories played a pivotal role in saving the narrator's life.
He saved my life I was going to end it all that night
The narrator was contemplating suicide, but the man's intervention changed that.
It’s been three years thats why I’m here I don’t get paid I’m a volunteer
The narrator has since dedicated three years to helping others as a volunteer.
I’m living proof you can get your life together
The narrator's life has improved, serving as an example of positive change.
so don’t hang up the phone it ain’t worth it son
A plea to others not to give up, suggesting a phone call for support instead of self-harm.
Do us both a favor put down the gun
A direct plea to avoid suicide, emphasizing the value of life.
I know where you’re coming from been there and then some
Reiteration of understanding and shared experiences, reaching out to those in pain.
Been there and then some
Final emphasis on shared experiences and the depth of understanding gained.
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