Meaning of How To Live - Band Of Horses
In the world of music, there are certain songs that transcend their genre and speak to a deeper truth within us all. "How To Live" by Band Of Horses is one such song, a poignant exploration of self-reflection, advice, and the complexities of human relationships.
The lyrics, penned by lead singer Ben Bridwell, delve into themes of giving and receiving advice, suffering, and truth. From the outset, we're presented with the image of a person who is comfortable dispensing wisdom to others, yet struggles in their own life. The line "When I'm giving advice to others / I take more than I can give" highlights the complexity of these dynamics - we often seek guidance from those around us, but may not fully appreciate the weight of their words.
The second verse takes this theme further, with Bridwell acknowledging that sometimes, suffering is a necessary part of our own growth and development. The line "I'm a diamond in the rough / Or I'm a dirt clod in the clay" speaks to the idea that we are all works-in-progress, and that growth and self-discovery often come through struggle and adversity.
The chorus of the song is simple yet powerful: "And I really didn't have to suffer / I still did it anyway / What a great big world / I better find some way to stay." This refrain speaks to the human condition - we often seek out challenges, even when they're painful or difficult. It's as if we believe that our struggles will ultimately lead us somewhere better, that there is something worthwhile on the other side of our trials and tribulations.
The song also touches on themes of truth and deception, with Bridwell singing "And it's someone else's fault so often / You're gettin' rude, you're gettin' tall." Here, we can interpret the lyrics as a commentary on how easy it is to point fingers and blame others for our own shortcomings. The line "The tiniest lie / Gets a little bit larger everyday" speaks to the insidious nature of lies - they may start small, but left unchecked, they have the power to grow and consume us.
As the song draws to a close, Bridwell reflects on his own advice-giving tendencies, acknowledging that sometimes, we can become too invested in our own words. The line "I've been giving my advice to others / Trying to tell them how to live" speaks to the idea that we all have something valuable to share with those around us, but that it's important to strike a balance between guidance and autonomy.
In many ways, "How To Live" is a reminder that life is complex and multifaceted - that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for navigating the world. It encourages us to be kind to ourselves and others, recognizing that we are all works-in-progress and that our struggles are an integral part of our growth. At its core, "How To Live" is a beautiful tribute to the human spirit - resilient, complex, and constantly striving for something greater than itself.
The lyrics, penned by lead singer Ben Bridwell, delve into themes of giving and receiving advice, suffering, and truth. From the outset, we're presented with the image of a person who is comfortable dispensing wisdom to others, yet struggles in their own life. The line "When I'm giving advice to others / I take more than I can give" highlights the complexity of these dynamics - we often seek guidance from those around us, but may not fully appreciate the weight of their words.
The second verse takes this theme further, with Bridwell acknowledging that sometimes, suffering is a necessary part of our own growth and development. The line "I'm a diamond in the rough / Or I'm a dirt clod in the clay" speaks to the idea that we are all works-in-progress, and that growth and self-discovery often come through struggle and adversity.
The chorus of the song is simple yet powerful: "And I really didn't have to suffer / I still did it anyway / What a great big world / I better find some way to stay." This refrain speaks to the human condition - we often seek out challenges, even when they're painful or difficult. It's as if we believe that our struggles will ultimately lead us somewhere better, that there is something worthwhile on the other side of our trials and tribulations.
The song also touches on themes of truth and deception, with Bridwell singing "And it's someone else's fault so often / You're gettin' rude, you're gettin' tall." Here, we can interpret the lyrics as a commentary on how easy it is to point fingers and blame others for our own shortcomings. The line "The tiniest lie / Gets a little bit larger everyday" speaks to the insidious nature of lies - they may start small, but left unchecked, they have the power to grow and consume us.
As the song draws to a close, Bridwell reflects on his own advice-giving tendencies, acknowledging that sometimes, we can become too invested in our own words. The line "I've been giving my advice to others / Trying to tell them how to live" speaks to the idea that we all have something valuable to share with those around us, but that it's important to strike a balance between guidance and autonomy.
In many ways, "How To Live" is a reminder that life is complex and multifaceted - that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for navigating the world. It encourages us to be kind to ourselves and others, recognizing that we are all works-in-progress and that our struggles are an integral part of our growth. At its core, "How To Live" is a beautiful tribute to the human spirit - resilient, complex, and constantly striving for something greater than itself.
