“There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded with light/ In the fine print they tell me what’s wrong and what’s right”

The Avett Brothers are an American band from Mount Pleasant, North Carolina.  They have been heralded for their unique sound which was described by the San Francisco Chronicle as having the “heavy sadness of Townes Van Zandt, the light pop concision of Buddy Holly, the tuneful jangle of the Beatles, the raw energy of the Ramones.” 

I’m just getting to know the Avett brothers, thanks to a recommendation from a far away friend (thanks, Greg).  I began by searching YouTube for some of their songs and came across “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise”, only the second song of theirs I had ever heard. It came with a fantastic video that combines their music with great art and animation and, well, I was hooked in mere seconds.

Maybe it will have the same effect on you. Below I share that video. Below that are the lyrics to the song. By the way, Greg – I bought I and Love and You just today. Thanks, brother.

Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise

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

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

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

There’s a darkness upon you that’s flooded in light
And in the fine print They tell you what’s wrong and what’s right
And it flies by day and it flies by night
And I’m frightened by those who don’t see it

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

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

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
There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light
And I’m frightened by those who don’t see it

Written by Robert William Crawford, Scott Yancey Avett, Timothy Seth Avett • Copyright © BMG Rights Management US, LLC