Lyrics Rule: Jimmy Eat World’s ‘In The Middle’

Keep your eyes down, and the volume up.

There are days you just want to put on your headphones, close the door to your room and soak in music. Listen to a story paired with a nice melody you can hum along to and later turn to when you need it. There are lyrics you want to write all over your notebooks, your walls — or even your body. Sometimes a complete stranger can string together a few simple thoughts that speak to you louder than the person in the next room. And sometimes someone’s struggle can be so universal that you feel less alone. We all have those certain songs we turn to, and at different stages in our lives. You might lose connection to a song as your grow older or you might revisit an old album and finally hear what you had missed years before. It’s part of what makes music timeless and what we, as music fans, can say creates our own individual relationship with music. It doesn’t matter if your friends think a song is lame or that a band is bad; it’s your relationship. It’s personal to you.

In 2001 Jimmy Eat World released the second single off their fourth studio album, Bleed American (that would later be changed to Jimmy Eat World). In June of that year, “The Middle” was released as the album’s second single and it was a hit. The open riff was heard all over top 40 radio stations, UK radio and the music video was constantly on MTV. There is no denying how well crafted the song is with that iconic opeining riff, pumping back beat and killer guitar solo – but for me it’s all about what Jim Adkins is saying. Once again, the message of, “YOU CAN DO IT! THINGS WILL BE OKAY!” is in the spotlight.

(Another song I have contemplated having tattooing on my body.)

With all of the uncertainty that lies ahead for me personally, I have never been more grateful to be seeing Jimmy Eat World in Los Angeles this Saturday. I tend to turn to “The Middle” here and there when I need it — and find comfort in how certain Jim is that everything will, be alright. Reminding me to just hang on and keep doing what’s best for me. I am 98% sure all of you know this song, but I urge you to really listen to this one an let it empower you. And, we will all — be alright.

See you Saturday boys, I will be singing my guts out. #musicrules.

Here are the song’s lyrics followed by some fan art made with the lyrics.

Hey, don’t write yourself off yet It’s only in your head you feel left out or looked down on. Just try your best, try everything you can. And don’t you worry what they tell themselves when you’re away.

It just takes some time, little girl you’re in the middle of the ride. Everything (everything) will be just fine, everything (everything) will be alright (alright).

Hey, you know they’re all the same. You know you’re doing better on your own, so don’t buy in. Live right now. Yeah, just be yourself. It doesn’t matter if it’s good enough for someone else.

It just takes some time, little girl you’re in the middle of the ride. Everything (everything) will be just fine, everything (everything) will be alright (alright). It just takes some time, little girl you’re in the middle of the ride. Everything (everything) will be just fine, everything (everything) will be alright (alright).

Hey, don’t write yourself off yet. It’s only in your head you feel left out or looked down on. Just do your best, do everything you can. And don’t you worry what the bitter hearts are gonna say.

It just takes some time, little girl you’re in the middle of the ride. Everything (everything) will be just fine, everything (everything) will be alright (alright). It just takes some time, little girl you’re in the middle of the ride. Everything (everything) will be just fine, everything (everything) will be alright (alright).

What lyrics mean a lot to you?

Let’s talk music, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

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