I‘ve apologized to my kids for the music of their generation. Today’s pop music seems to be dominated by females with big egos, loose morals, and bad attitudes.

And then there’s the Avett Brothers. Let’s just say I’m a fan.

My 18-year-old son and I have long talks about the meaning of their lyrics; the indescribable sweetness of Seth’s voice and his haunting guitar melodies; the rough beauty of Scott’s vocals and what he can do with a banjo.

Here are some favorite lyrics from their songs:

From “Murder in the City” from Second Gleam (<—all albums are Amazon affiliate links)

If I get murdered in the city
Go read the letter in my desk
Don’t bother with all my belongings
Pay attention to the list
Make sure my sister knows I love her
Make sure my mother knows the same
Always remember there was nothing worth sharing
Like the love that let us share our name

From “If It’s the Beaches” from The Gleam

If it’s the beaches
If it’s the beaches’ sands you want
Then you will have them
If it’s the mountains’ bending rivers
Then you will have them
If it’s the wish to run away
Then I will grant it
Take whatever you think of
While I go gas up the truck
Pack the old love letters up
We will read them when we forget why we left here

From “Head Full of Doubt / Road Full of Promise” from I & Love & You

When nothing is owed or deserved or expected
And your life doesn’t change by the man that’s elected
If you’re loved by someone, you’re never rejected
Decide what to be and go be it

From “Laundry Room” from I & Love & You

Last night I dreamt the whole night long
I woke with a head full of songs
I spent the whole day
I wrote ’em down, but its a shame
Tonight I’ll burn the lyrics,
‘Cause every chorus was your name

From “The Once and Future Carpenter” from The Carpenter

Forever I will move like the world that turns beneath me
And when I lose my direction I’ll look up to the sky
And when the black cloak drags upon the ground
I’ll be ready to surrender, and remember
Well we’re all in this together
If I live the life I’m given, I wont be scared to die

From “February Seven” from The Carpenter

I went on the search for something real
Traded what I know for how I feel
But the ceiling and the walls collapsed
Upon the darkness I was trapped
And as the last of breath was drawn from me
Light broke in and brought me to my feet

From “Yardsale” from The Gleam

The guitar I am holding is way out of tune
The neck it is warped and the saddle is through
I wonder if sweet music ever was played
From the hands of a boy to a girl in the shade
From this rickety ghost of a song
Here at this yardsale

I’m actually listening to their new album Magpie And The Dandelion right now as I write this post, but I don’t know the songs well enough to choose favorite lyrics.

Do you know the Avett Brothers? Like them? Love ’em?

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