All That We Let In

Ooh (vocalization, possibly expressing emotion or a moment of reflection)

Ooh

Ooh

Dust in our eyes, our own boots kicked up (symbolic of challenges and hardships faced)

Heartsick we nursed along the way we picked up (suffering and caring for emotional wounds acquired during the journey)

You may not see it when it's sticking to your skin (hidden struggles not immediately apparent)

But we're better off for all that we let in (growth and strength gained from facing challenges)

We've lost friends and loved ones much too young (experience of premature loss)

There was so much promise and work left undone (unfulfilled potential and aspirations)

When all that guards us is a single center line (vulnerability with minimal protection)

And the brutal crossing over when it's time (harsh transition in life)

Ooh (repeated vocalization, possibly emphasizing the theme of growth through experience)

(Well, I don't know where it all begins)

Ooh

(And I don't know where it all will end)

Ooh

(We're better off for all that we let in)

One day those toughies will be withered up and bent (aging and the inevitability of physical decline)

The father-son, the holy warriors and the President (various roles and figures in society)

With glory days of put up dukes for all the world to see (past confrontations and displays of strength)

Beaten into submission in the name of the free (sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom)

We're in an evolution, I have heard it said (reference to societal and personal evolution)

And everyone's so busy now but do we move ahead (reflection on the busyness of modern life)

The planets hurling and atoms splitting (references to scientific and cosmic phenomena)

And a sweater for your love you sit there knitting (mundane activities juxtaposed with significant events)

Ooh (repeated vocalization, continuing the theme of growth through experience)

(Well, I don't know where it all begins)

Ooh

(And I don't know where it all will end)

Ooh

(We're better off for all that we let in)

See those crosses on the side of the road (markers of tragic events or losses)

Tied with ribbons in the medium (symbols of remembrance and tribute)

They make me grateful, I can go this far (gratitude for the ability to overcome challenges)

Lay me down and never wake me up again (contemplation of mortality and a peaceful end)

Kat writes a poem and she sticks it on my truck (expression of anti-war sentiment and artistic response)

We don't believe in war and we don't believe in luck (stance against war and reliance on chance)

The birds were calling to her, what were they saying (connection with nature and its mysteries)

As the gate blew open, in the tops of the trees were swaying (symbolic moment of change or revelation)

Reflection on mortality, remembrance, and the importance of love in life

I read the names in stone and say a silent prayer

When I get home, you're cooking supper on the stove

And the greatest gift of life is to know love

Ooh (concluding the song with a repeated vocalization, reinforcing the theme of growth through experience)

(Well, I don't know where it all begins)

Ooh

(And I don't know where it all will end)

Ooh

(We're better off for all that we let in)