Waters reflects on his journey, acknowledging his mistakes and celebrating his successes. He emphasizes the importance of living on one’s own terms and finding strength in vulnerability. The message is clear: life is messy, but it’s worth living fully. The songwriter encourages listeners to open up, take risks, and find their own path, even if it means getting their bones dirty. He wants to inspire others to persevere through hardships and find joy in the journey.
“Them Dirty Bones” is not just a song; it’s a journey through life’s rollercoaster. Mike Waters beautifully captures the essence of living fully, making mistakes, and finding joy.
“Them Dirty Bones” Lyrics Meaning
“Here I go, I’m not shaky but I’m weak at the knees.” Mike Waters starts the song by stepping into the unknown, acknowledging his vulnerability yet showing readiness to face what’s coming.
“And I don’t even know if anybody is even listening to me, but I’ll grow old.” He doubts being heard but resolves to keep moving forward, emphasizing the inevitability of aging and growth.
“Lead the way so I might as well risk it. I don’t wanna die and never know.” Waters highlights the importance of taking risks and embracing life, as he doesn’t want to live with regrets.
“I’ve made a lot of stupid mistakes, but hey at least I did it my way.” He acknowledges his past errors but takes pride in having lived authentically, following his own path.
“And I’ve made friends with arms wide open. I’ve been broke and I’ve been broken.” He speaks to the power of openness and vulnerability, acknowledging both financial and emotional hardships.
“I’ve found love and all that goes with it. I don’t know how but I did.” Waters reflects on the complexities of love and life, expressing a sense of wonder at his own experiences.
“I’ll stay settled here I’m certain. Find my stride before I’m thirty.” He speaks to finding contentment and a sense of direction in life, setting a personal goal to have things figured out by a certain age.
“Dirt so cold. I can take it I’m a leaf on the breeze.” He continues to express resilience, comparing himself to a leaf that goes with the flow, unaffected by the cold harshness of life.
“It’s getting colder. But I already froze. I’m getting closer and closer, so hold it steady.” Waters describes a moment of challenge, urging himself (or perhaps someone else) to stay steady and persevere.
The recurring line “This is where my bones get, bones get dirty” serves as a powerful metaphor for living life fully, embracing the mess, and finding beauty in the struggle.
The Story Behind “Them Dirty Bones”
“Them Dirty Bones” is a captivating song that encapsulates Mike Waters’ philosophy on life. At the time of writing, Waters seemed to be in a reflective state, contemplating his journey, the choices he’s made, and the person he’s become. The song serves as a personal anthem, a reminder to embrace life with open arms, regardless of the mistakes and challenges.
Waters’ lyrics convey a deep understanding of life’s complexities and the importance of authenticity. He encourages listeners to find strength in vulnerability and to take risks, even if it means getting their bones dirty. The song is a testament to Waters’ ability to connect with his audience through shared experiences and universal themes.
Through “Them Dirty Bones,” Waters has created a piece that resonates with listeners, encouraging them to live fully, embrace their journey, and find joy in the messiness of life. The song is a beautiful reminder that even when our bones get dirty, there is beauty in the struggle and joy in the journey.