Only Human by Jason Mraz Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling Existential Musings in Melody
Lyrics
Does he give a damn?
Does he care who I am?
I’m just a man, is that all I am
Are my manners misinterpreted words or only human?
I’m human
Murderous crow, hey what you know
What you reading about, what you hold in your toes
Is that a twig, are you a dove of peace
A black dove undercover, with another puzzle piece
Are you a riddle to solve all along?
Or am I over thinking thoughts of human after all
Only human
Made of flesh, made of sand, made of you and me
The planet’s talking about a revolution
The natural laws ain’t got no constitution
They’ve got a right to live their own life
But we keep paving over paradise
Cause we’re only human
Yes we are, only human
If it’s our only excuse do you think we’ll keep on being only human
Yes we are, yes we are
Only human, only human, only human
So far…
Up in the major’s tree, the one he planted back when he was just a boy
Thinking 1923
Thirty meters and a foot, take a look, take a climb
What you’ll find is the product of a seed
The seed is sown, all alone
It grows above, with a heart of love
Sharp and shelter of the animals of land and cold weather breathing
We’re all breathing in
The planet’s talking about a revolution
The natural laws ain’t got no constitution
They’ve got a right to live their own life
But we keep paving over paradise
Cause we’re only human
Yes we are, only human
If it’s our only excuse do you think we’ll keep on being only human
Yes we are, only human, only human, so far, so far
And this place it will outlive me
Before I get to heaven I’ll climb that tree
And I will have to give my thanks
For giving me the branch to swing on
If I ever fall in love
I’ll have to give myself a baby
I will let my children have their way
Cause we’re only human, yes we are
Only human, so far, so far
Jason Mraz’s ‘Only Human’ reverberates with the existential ponderings and reflective observations that are emblematic of our times. Through lilting melodies and evocative lyrics, the song touches on the fundamental questions of identity, environmental consciousness, and the collective human journey.
The song serves as a poignant mirror, reflecting the intricacies of what it means to be an individual within the grand tapestry of life, and this sprawling lyrical landscape offers a fertile ground for an exploration of its deeper meanings. Beneath the surface, lies a trove of insights waiting to be unshackled.
A Glimpse into the Natural World: Metaphor or Reality?
Mraz introduces us to a squirrel and later a crow, invoking the presence of nature as a silent observer of human folly. Is the squirrel’s disinterest a subtle nudge towards our inflated sense of self-importance? It’s as if Mraz is using the animal world to spotlight the human ego, suggesting a detachment contrasted by nature’s unbiased gaze.
Or perhaps, these creatures are metaphors for the different perspectives through which we view our existence. The crow holding a twig, or ‘another puzzle piece,’ could symbolize the elusive answers that nature holds to the questions we ceaselessly ask about our purpose and place in the world.
Diving Deep into the Human Condition
Mraz masterfully uses the simplicity of ‘I’m just a man, is that all I am’ to bring a powerful existential quandary to the fore. Are we to accept our humanity with all its flaws, or is there a constant strive for something beyond? The song’s persona grapples with the perception of self through the lens of societal expectations and personal identity.
This introspection is layered with the understanding that as humans, we’re a blend of the tangible ‘flesh, made of sand’ and the intangible ‘made of you and me.’ This duality speaks to the interconnectedness of all life, a theme that is woven throughout the song, urging listeners to consider the broader implications of their actions and existence.
The Irreversible Footprints of Progress
One cannot ignore the environmental commentary laced within the lyrics. ‘The planet’s talking about a revolution’ against the backdrop of humans ‘paving over paradise’ provides a stark image of environmental degradation in the name of progress. Mraz captures the zeitgeist of a growing consciousness that is questioning the cost of human advancements on the natural world.
In doing so, he paints a visceral picture of the conflict between the ‘natural laws’ that govern the Earth and the artificial structures imposed by humans. It is a call-to-arms for listeners to rethink the relationship between humankind and the planet we inhabit, challenging the ‘only human’ excuse often used to justify ecological missteps.
The Hidden Meaning: Growth Through Generational Legacy
Within the arboreal imagery of the ‘major’s tree,’ Mraz hints at the hidden meaning of the song—growth is not merely a physical process but also a metaphorical evolution passed down through generations. The ‘product of a seed’ goes beyond the growth of a tree. It refers to the ideas and values we inherit and the legacies we leave.
By committing to ‘climb that tree’ before reaching heaven, the protagonist pledges to embrace life’s experiences, understanding the importance of gratitude for the simple foundations that allow us to soar. This marks a celebration of continuity and the significance of nurturing roots—both ecological and familial.
Most Memorable Lines: A Reflection of Our Collective Psyche
‘If it’s our only excuse do you think we’ll keep on being only human.’ These memorable lines evoke a powerful meditation on accountability. They prompt a dialogue on whether being ‘only human’ serves as a valid rationale for our errors, or if it’s merely a convenient scapegoat for avoiding change and personal growth.
They reflect our collective psyche—our tendency to oscillate between seeking forgiveness for our humanity and aspiring to overcome our limitations. As the repetition of ‘only human, so far, so far’ concludes the song, it leaves us with the implicit hope that perhaps one day we could evolve beyond our current understanding of what it means to be human.
