Circa '46
Choosing Melodies, Crafting Life
Lyrics
I started moving so I can sleep at night.
The speaker started keeping busy or moving around to be able to sleep better at night.
I figure exhaustion will shut my eyes.
The speaker believes that being very tired will eventually make them fall asleep.
And I'm as country as a guitar slide but I can't ride, no not tonight.
The speaker feels connected to country roots but cannot find solace or comfort tonight.
No my head's preoccupied with counting sheep jumping over my peace of mind.
The speaker's thoughts are consumed by worries, preventing peace of mind, and they are trying to calm themselves by counting sheep.
Life will write the words, but you choose your own melody.
Life presents situations, but individuals have the choice in how they respond or interpret them.
Yes, life has given me hurt, but I choose my own melody.
Despite life's hardships, the speaker decides their emotional response and attitude.
And sometimes it's that sad, sad song I'm singing all my day long.
The speaker sometimes finds themselves singing a melancholic song throughout the day.
I'm just trying, trying to find the right notes.
The speaker is striving to discover the right actions or choices to improve their situation.
There must be a fire in me because I can see my breath.
The speaker feels a strong internal drive or passion, likening it to a fire within.
Feel like a Miles Davis style solo circa ‘46.
The speaker compares their feelings or expression to a legendary Miles Davis solo from around 1946.
Still I write down the sacred things you show to me because my mind forgets what my heart once did see...
The speaker tries to remember and document important, meaningful things shown to them, as their memory tends to fade.
Life will write the words, but you choose your own melody.
Similar to line 6, emphasizing personal agency in responding to life's circumstances.
Yes, life has given me hurt, but I choose my own melody.
Despite pain or adversity, the speaker asserts their control over their emotional expression.
And sometimes it's that sad, sad song I'm singing all my day long.
Reiterating the tendency to sing a sorrowful song throughout the day.
I'm just trying, trying to find the right notes.
The speaker remains focused on finding the right path or solutions amidst challenges.
You can build a bridge in a song but you'll burn down the ones in your life.
Metaphorically, it's easier to mend things in creative outlets like music ("a song") than in real life ("your life").
Life will write the words, but you choose your own melody.
Reasserting personal control over emotional responses and interpretations.
Yes, life has given me hurt, but I choose my own melody.
Despite past hurts, the speaker maintains authority over their emotional state.
And sometimes it's that sad, sad song I'm singing all my day long.
Continuing the motif of singing a sorrowful song persistently.
I'm just trying, trying to find the right notes.
The speaker remains committed to finding the correct approach or solutions.
A misty eyed stranger said the songs words inspire.
Someone who appears emotionally moved by the song's lyrics wonders if knowing the speaker's truth would affect them deeply.
If they really knew would it break their hearts...
Questions whether revealing personal struggles would deeply impact those moved by the speaker's words.
That there's dirt that my soul keeps, if there’s any good in me it comes from the grace of my father.
The speaker acknowledges their flaws ("dirt in my soul") and attributes any goodness within them to their father's grace.
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