Head Full of Doubt

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far ahead the road has gone | Northern Ireland 2009

I have a love-hate relationship with the radio. I don’t like the commercials, the DJs usually annoy me, and the same mediocre songs often play over and over again. However, one of the beauties of listening to the radio is that every once in a while a song comes on that surprises you.

It could be an old favourite that you haven’t heard in a while and reminds you of the good old days. It could be an old favourite that you didn’t know you needed to hear right this moment, until it started playing — and suddenly the world is a kinder place and you a braver person.

Or, it could be an entirely new (to you) song that catches your attention with its fresh perspective on old subjects. This was my experience this past week, when I was driving home one evening and heard a new-to-me song from the 2009 album, I & Love & You, by The Avett Brothers.

Sometimes being willing to flip through the radio stations, and wait through the frustrating bits, pays off.

{monday melodies} songs to start your week

» The Avett Brothers’s song, Head Full of Doubt / Road Full of Promise.

further still | Stirling, Scotland 2005

The song begins with this intriguing opening:

There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what’s wrong and what’s right
And it comes in black and it comes in white
And I’m frightened by those that don’t see it

And tosses in simple wisdom like:

If you’re loved by someone, you’re never rejected
Decide what to be and go be it

a day will come at last | Northern Ireland 2009

They’ve caught my attention. And they’re not even done, yet. They go on to this rousing chorus:

There was a dream and one day I could see it
Like a bird in a cage I broke in and demanded that somebody free it
And there was a kid with a head full of doubt
So I’ll scream til I die and the last of those bad thoughts are finally out

And I’m hooked. And hoping.

darkness makes beauty of light | Saffron Walden, England 2005

I appreciate that while the “head full of doubt” portion of the title is included in the lyrics, the “road full of promise” is only hinted at. Beautifully done, Avett Brothers. Sorry it took me so long to listen.

» Listen to the song: album version | live version.

» Don’t miss similar {monday melodies} posts: To Have Hope, Can’t Hold Us, Nothing But Time

Have you been surprised by a song on the radio recently?

This post contains affiliate links.