Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “The Once And Future Carpenter” by The Avett Brothers
The Once and Future Carpenter by The Avett Brothers is a reflective, often bittersweet, song about life and love, and the slow but steady passing of time. In the song, the carpenter is a metaphor for life — it is ever-changing, being crafted and reshaped according to the personal experiences and choices we make.
At the start of the song, we see this carpenter in a reflective light. The protagonist is walking home from the greenwood and contemplates his life, including all of its challenges, changes, and accomplishments. The wise words of a stranger on the path sparks his self-reflection, and although he doesn’t quite know how to respond, the stranger does prompt the protagonist to remember the parts of his life that have brought him joy and contentment. He is looking to the past, but hopeful for the future.
The chorus then goes on to make a powerful statement: no matter how all of our lives are changing, time marches on whether we like it or not. We may not be able to control the ever-turning wheel of time, but we can look at our past experiences and accomplishments to provide reassurance that, even if life changes, there is still hope.
In the second verse, there is a stark contrast to the happy memories of the protagonist’s past. He remembers when the carpenter was just cutting the wood, when life was simpler and he had fewer decisions to make. There is a sense of wistfulness here, but also of hope. He knows that as much as life can be trying and difficult, it can also bring joy and fulfillment.
The Once and Future Carpenter is ultimately a song about hope in hard times. Whether it’s the passing of time or the ever-changing events in our lives, the carpenter is a symbol of how our lives are always evolving and leaving behind a unique legacy. We may feel like the carpenter at times, just cutting the wood, but with hope and reflection we can find contentment in our lives.