Pace Yourself
Navigating Life's Perils: The Message in 'Pace Yourself' by The Drew Thomson Foundation
Lyrics
You've gotta pace yourself
You need to control and manage your actions and emotions.
Shut that fucking mouth
An explicit command to be quiet or stop talking.
You're gonna lose everything
A warning that careless actions may result in losing important things.
That you've ever held dear
Everything that holds significance to you is at risk.
Any second here
Emphasizes the urgency of the warning, suggesting imminent consequences.
Any second here
-Come on down and show me that holy license
An invitation or challenge to prove one's moral or spiritual standing.
You seem so much better than me
A perception that the other person appears morally superior.
Well if my halo's a ring I leave when I pick up my drink
Humorous imagery of a halo as a ring, suggesting imperfections despite appearances.
Your Bible's the best coaster I've ever seen
A sarcastic comment about using a religious book as a coaster, indicating irreverence.
I haven't pretended to be anything I'm not
Admission of authenticity, not pretending to be someone else.
For about 13 months nice and sobered up
Indicates a period of sobriety for around 13 months.
But it's easy to dream about what I could of been
Reflecting on missed opportunities and imagining alternate paths.
Every night I remember you telling me
Recollection of someone advising caution or moderation.
You've gotta pace yourself
Reiteration of the earlier warning, reinforcing the need for caution.
Shut that fucking mouth
-You're gonna lose everything
-That you've ever held dear
-Any second here
-Any second here
-Diet coke and lime
Mentions a specific drink, possibly symbolizing a choice or lifestyle.
Don't know how I became that guy
Expresses surprise or regret at a perceived change in personal identity.
But it could be a whole lot worse
Acknowledges current circumstances but recognizes they could be worse.
I got money in the bank
Lists material comforts and a positive band situation, contrasting with earlier struggles.
I got gas in the tank
-And for the first time the
-Band hasn't broken up this year
-I dragged her through that whiskey spell
Personal experiences with alcohol and relationships, acknowledging dislike for his own songs.
I kept guarded in my liquid shell
-And she still hates my songs but
-That won't last for long
Suggesting that dislike may not persist if there's a chance for improvement.
If I've got a hope in hell
-You've gotta pace yourself
Repetition of the cautionary message, underscoring its importance.
Shut that fucking mouth
-You're gonna lose everything
-That you've ever held dear
-Any second here
-Any second here
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