Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Down With The Shine” by The Avett Brothers
The Avett Brothers’ song “Down With The Shine” captures a very real emotion experienced in many of our lives: the frustration of feeling weighed down by the complications of everyday life. The lyrics speak of an individual who has lost sight of her dreams and goals due to being dragged down by all of life’s stresses.
The first verse reveals an individual trying to keep pushing on through the difficult times, even when it all feels “drowning at the hands of the tide”. They’re asking for strength to move forward despite the doubts and anxiety they feel.
The chorus is a plea to be released from the daily heaviness of life’s ups and downs. It reflects a desperate need to take a step back from all the worries in life in order to move forward. They want to be liberated; to have the courage to block out all of the darkness and embrace the “shine” of life.
The second verse is an acknowledgment that in the end, it’s up to us to make the journey out of our hardships. Even though it can feel like other people can help you along the way, the individual in the song realizes it’s ultimately their responsibility to get back to their true self and find true joy and contentment. “It’s thoughts like these that make us all the same,” they conclude.
The end of the song reveals a sense of renewed optimism, despite the painful struggles the individual has been through. Now that they’ve come to accept the idea of being on their own they realize they have the strength to push on and reach for their dreams, despite any and all obstacles or detours in life. “Down with the shine, it just may save our life,” they sing, indicating that by being able to let go of life’s ups and downs, they will be able to move forward and find peace, understanding and solace.