Song Meaning
The narrator acknowledges the relentless nature of hardship, stating "hard times are never over." Yet, a flicker of optimism persists, a forward-looking gaze towards "tomorrow when it comes." This isn't naive hope, but a quiet resilience forged through past self-inflicted wounds, recognizing that some burdens are beyond a single person's control, what the lyrics call "the devil's share."
The core tension lies between the overwhelming scale of life's challenges and the narrator's deliberate focus on manageable actions. "Big resolutions are so easy to break," a sentiment that dismisses grand, often unattainable, promises. Instead, the power is found in the small, actionable steps: "little decisions are the kind I can make." This preference suggests a weariness with the pressure of monumental change, opting instead for incremental progress.
The lyrics employ a stark, almost instructional tone when detailing these small actions. Phrases like "work a little harder," "keep your mind on death," and "take a deeper breath" offer practical, albeit grim, advice. Even when addressing specific issues like drinking or guilt, the solutions remain scaled down: "drink a little less," "find a friend, confess." This deliberate limitation of scope is the song's most potent craft element, turning potential overwhelm into a series of achievable tasks.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their grounded, unpretentious approach to self-improvement. By rejecting the allure of sweeping change and embracing the power of minor adjustments, the narrator offers a relatable perspective on navigating life's persistent difficulties. The repeated dismissal of "big decisions" underscores a profound, hard-won understanding that true progress often begins with the smallest, most personal choices.
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