Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “A Pocketful Of Shells” by Mat McHugh
A Pocketful of Shells is a folk-rock song by Mat McHugh about loss and how it can inspire deep reflection. The verses paint a vivid picture of someone heading out of town, leaving behind feelings of sadness as they go. The chorus emphasizes the idea of finding renewed purpose and strength in the turmoil.
The lyrics reflect journeying on a difficult road to recovery; musing through a personal journey, one of leaving behind a place full of anguish and pain. The narrator seems to be filled with regret, but is determined to move on. He finds solace and hope in nature—in “a pocketful of shells” he collects from the ocean during his travels. He knows that soon the feeling of loss and heartbreak will pass.
Music-wise, the song starts off slow and melancholic, featuring a banjo and a mournful piano. The song gradually builds up to a crescendo with strings and electric guitar coming in. The instrumentation helps to emphasize the mood of the narrator, as he moves away from all he has known and loved.
In the end, A Pocketful Of Shells is a tribute to resilience, conveying a message of strength and perseverance on the challenging road to recovery. The song conveys an inspiring sentiment that, even in the face of despair, one can move on and find renewed purpose amidst the pain. No matter what life may throw our way, with the right attitude we can find beauty in it all.