Keep Your Head Up by Ben Howard Lyrics Meaning – A Journey Through Self-Discovery and Resilience
Lyrics
The spaces that have grown between us
And I cut my mind on second best
Oh, the scars that come with the greenness
And I gave my eyes to the boredom
Still, the seabed wouldn’t let me in
And I try my best to embrace the darkness
In which I swim
Now walking back, down this mountain
The strength of a turnin’ tide
Oh the wind so soft, and my skin
Yeah, the sun so hot upon my side
Oh, lookin’ out at this happiness
I searched for between the sheets
Oh feelin’ blind, I realize
All I was searchin’ for, was me
Oh-oh-oh, all I was searchin’ for was me
Oh yeah
Keep your head up, keep your heart strong
No, no, no, no, keep your mindset, keep your hair long
Oh my, my darlin’, keep your head up, keep your heart strong
Na, oh, no, no, keep your mind set in your ways
Keep your heart strong
And I saw a friend of mine the other day
And he told me that my eyes were gleamin’
Oh, I said I’d been away, and he knew
Oh, he knew the depths I was meanin’
And it felt so good to see his face
All the comfort invested in my soul
Oh, to feel the warmth of his smile
When he said, “I’m happy to have you home”
Oh-oh-oh, I’m happy to have you home
Oh yeah
Keep your head up, keep your heart strong (keep your head up, keep your heart strong)
No, no, no, no, keep your mindset, keep your hair long (keep your head up, keep your heart strong)
Oh my, my darlin’, keep your head up, keep your heart strong
No, no, no, no, keep your mind set in your ways
Well keep your heart strong
‘Cause I’ll always remember you the same
Oh, eyes like wildflowers, oh with your demons of change
(Keep your head up, keep your heart strong)
(Keep your head up, keep your heart strong) may you find happiness here
(Keep your head up, keep your heart strong)
(Keep your head up, keep your heart strong)
May all your hopes all turn out right
(Keep your head up, keep your heart strong)
(Keep your head up, keep your heart strong)
(Keep your head up, keep your heart strong) no, no, no, no
(Keep your mindset, keep your hair long)
(Keep your head up, keep your heart strong) Oh my, my darlin’
(Keep your head up, keep your heart strong)
(No, no, no, no, keep your mindset in your ways)
(Keep your heart strong)
‘Cause I’ll always remember you the same
Oh, eyes like wildflowers, oh with your demons of change
Ben Howard’s soul-stirring anthem, ‘Keep Your Head Up,’ is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of hardship and the search for self. Within the layers of Howard’s hauntingly beautiful melodies and poignant lyrics, lies a guide to finding inner peace and strength through the tumultuous journey of life.
Peering beyond the cascading guitar work and soothing vocal delivery, we delve into a narrative that is as intimate as it is universal, unwrapping the essence of the song’s call for perseverance and the celebration of self-discovery.
Between the Lines: Embracing Life’s Ebbs and Flows
The song commences with a retrospective gaze into the ‘spaces that have grown between us,’ painting a picture of emotional distance and personal growth. It’s about confronting the scars of experiences – the ‘greenness’ or naivety – that come with personal relationships and the internal battles we face.
Howard’s voice acts as a guide, pulling us gently down the ‘mountain,’ a metaphor for overcoming life’s challenges. The ‘strength of a turning tide’ delivers a message of hope and change, a recognition that the low points are a prelude to the climb back up to happier heights.
The Search for Oneself in Uncertain Times
In a world saturated with distractions, Howard’s words offer solace. When he sings about the joy of ‘lookin’ out at this happiness,’ it’s as though he’s found a truth often forgotten in chaos – that sometimes what we seek the most is already within us.
Our protagonist’s journey is less about striving outward and more about an inward realization that he is all he’s been searching for. It’s a revelation that resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost, prompting an introspection that might lead to self-healing and acceptance.
An Ode to Personal Strength and Emotional Fortitude
The song’s chorus, a repeating chant to ‘keep your head up, keep your heart strong,’ serves as a mantra for listeners. It’s an aspirational reminder that mental and emotional integrity are the pillars of one’s identity, a theme that permeates the very core of the song.
Howard recognizes the difficulty in staying true to oneself (‘keep your mindset, keep your hair long’), advocating for individuality and the courage to maintain personal convictions, even when the gravity of change tries to uproot us from our foundations.
The Hidden Depth of Connection and Companionship
Howard recounts an encounter with a friend who noticed a change in him, highlighting the significance of our connections with others in our journeys. This interaction is an anchor, a reminder that while self-discovery is often a solitary endeavor, it’s the shared moments that amplify our growth.
These moments of companionship provide comfort and reassert our self-worth through the eyes of others, serving as catalysts that help propel us forward. In these lyrical exchanges, the warmth of rekindled friendships reflects the light of self-awareness.
Memorable Lines that Resonate with the Seeker’s Soul
Certain lyrics engrave themselves into the listener’s consciousness. ‘Eyes like wildflowers, oh with your demons of change,’ evoke imagery that mirrors the complexity and vibrancy of life. It suggests that even amidst chaos, there is an intrinsic beauty to the evolution of one’s self – demons included.
By urging the listener to find happiness and hope ‘here’ and to ensure ‘all your hopes all turn out right,’ the song fosters an environment of self-affirmation and an unspoken understanding that the pursuit of well-being is both the journey and the destination.
