Avett Brothers, The - I Wish I Was Lyrics






I wish I was a flame dancing in a candle
Lighting up your living room high on the mantle
I could bring some romance without any scandal
And then when you were done you'd just put me out

I wish I was a tune you sang in your kitchen
Putting your groceries away and washing your dishes
I could float around your tongue and ease the tension
And then when you were done you'd just quiet down

But if I get too close
Will the magic fade?
Would I turn you off or away?
If I pull you in
Would I push you out
Of something here you care about?
Well I'm at a loss for what to do
But I'm drawn to you

I wish I was a sweater wrapped around your hips
And when it got too cold into me you'd slip
And when the sun came back you would hang me up
And I would watch you while you undress

But if I get too close
Will the magic fade?
Would I turn you off or away?
If I pull you in
Now would I push you out
Of something here you care about?
Well I'm at a loss for what to do
But I'm drawn to you

I'm not a song
I am not a sweater
I'm not a fire
I am something better
I'm a man in love writing you a letter
Will you take it
Will you keep it
Will you read it
Believe it
I love you
I'm sorry.





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Avett Brothers, The I Wish I Was Comments
  1. J.... L....

    I wish I had....

  2. G.... D....

    I love you. I'm sorry.

  3. A.... D....

    I realized when i was reading the comments, all our problem is person that we cannot be together. Everyone has the same reason for listening this song, it’s just sad. You are thinking that person every word of songs and loving that person even more. But that person doesn’t care and doesn’t worth it, at least for me. This is such a good song, I literally loved it. But while listening this song thinking that person and getting sad things that we don’t and we can’t have, is just not healthy for me anymore

  4. A.... W....

    Beautiful. Gorgeous. Sumptuous. Indulgent. Perfect.

  5. A.... T....

    Saw them 3 times in concert they truly a big part of my life. All of there songs I can just relate. This song I my all time favorite.

  6. S.... O....

    Finding a girl you can’t have

    S.... O....

    S O yep! Same here

    S.... O....

    Find one you can have. That’s the rules. 💯✌️

    S.... O....

    Yep but what can you do? Just gotta move on.

  7. r.... r....

    This song so peacefull aghh love it

  8. J.... G....

    Life gets better if you just hang in there. It does! And it's our one-shot we have, so we have to make the most of it! No matter what sh!t or what pain you are going thru you can get thru it. One of my favorite quotes of all-time is this: Winston Churchill "If you're going through hell, keep going"
    Just KEEP GOING.

    J.... G....

    Jeannie Groh 👍🏻🤝☝🏼. These good ole boys ain’t never got nothing negative to say. Brought me out of an anger I’d been carrying on me for way too long. I went and found a lady who loves them too. We dance in my livin’ room

    J.... G....

    @Alan Hawkins Oh, listening to their music is definitely 'anger management therapy' for sure. Pure goodness for the soul! PURE. GOODNESS.

    J.... G....

    "Thanks I needed that!"

    J.... G....

    Jeannie Groh - I know that quote from some country song 😂

    J.... G....

    J R - God one! 😂💯 so true!

  9. j.... ....

    Same, daily listening.

  10. G.... V....

    I listen to this almost everyday

  11. J.... S....

    I love you, I am sorry.

    J.... S....

    True love will never be dead. It's all about timing, communication, and trust. I'm sorry you feel that way.

    J.... S....

    @Diana McHam Within my generation and the ones after... It is dead. Hook up culture killed real love and romance.

    J.... S....

    @Danga Langman It doesn't have to be dead. I've had my heart crushed several times. After the last time, I too like yourself felt it was hopeless - that I was meant to be alone and would never find real love. But I have. The real thing - with a man I respect, admire and am in awe of. We took things slowly - very slowly - and it is sweeter than I could ever imagine. Genuine love - it's out there. But women hold the key... Women have to set the standards and demand more. We are the ones who teach men how to treat us. I know that's not popular thought among milennials and 'feminists', but it's true. Men haven't changed.... women have. They lowered their standards in the name of feeling 'empowered' and 'liberated'.... and the consequences ended up working against them. Men aren't complicated at all. And there are REAL men out there. You just have to wade thru a lot of low-quality ones to find the high-quality ones. It's not easy... but it's SO worth it. Don't give up. EVER.

    J.... S....

    @Jeannie Groh I won't <3 I plan to try and make it to Mexico to be with this lady I have loved since 2008. Obviously tho being in separate countries has caused dilemmas in our relationship but even after so many years we are still very close to each other. And I have decided if I am going to find love it is most likely from her that I will find it. I feel a stronger connection with somebody a thousand miles away than I ever have with a girl in my home state.

    J.... S....

    The way he sings this part is so beautifully sincere that it breaks my heart.

  12. M.... L....

    love you guys!

  13. J.... G....

    This is just REAL music, played by real musicians. It's so sweet it's beyond words. We are lucky to be able to listen to it. Treasure it. Life is SO short, and this is what LIVING is made of. Flawed people who are humble and serving others thru their music are doing the work of their Creator. God Bless the Avett Brothers!

    J.... G....

    and their live shows are a gathering of genuine joy and community - they are the real deal.

    J.... G....

    Jeannie Groh The Avett’s are putting out love all over the world. Feelin Good!

  14. T.... U....

    I wish I was...a person, someone who wasn't crushed by circumstances. I wish I was a person other people looked up to, someone inspirational, so I could know I meant something to someone.
    Oh well.

    T.... U....

    You don't have to be "crushed" by any circumstances. You can be looked up to, you can be inspirational, and you CAN mean something to someone. It's all within yourself. You have something offer. NEVER give up on yourself. I mean it!~

    T.... U....

    Jeannie, you are so right.

    T.... U....

    Keep listenin brother or sister, theyll get you talkin positive soon. I listened everyday for 2 years and I feel all those words they sing all the time.
    "I wish I was a Spaceship,
    Jetting out to Orbit
    Seeing the Stars, the Moon, and Home Do you See Me up here? Fly this craft, and floor it.
    I was once where you are now, I had to Forfeit.
    Shed my hate, I found a girl, adorably dancing, and enjoyin,

    You will find it too, don't be so blue, cause you're an inspiration already now,
    just from hearing your story,
    We want to hear your song right here, go ahead, you'll be
    Rewarded
    I'm honored, I thank you"


    It’s love in there

  15. J.... F....

    When you love somebody so damn much and you cant be theirs......💔

    J.... F....

    It hurts... so much...

    J.... F....

    Danga, again, I'm so sorry you are going through this pain.

    J.... F....

    @Diana McHam Thank you <3 It's been weeks now but having somebody dump you just because you told them you have strong feelings for them is one of the worst pains I think exist... Like tells you how they haven't felt that way in a long time and then no less than 3 days later says it doesn't feel right... Like what? Lol I think I am just an old soul that will never find true love because these days it really doesn't exist...

    J.... F....

    Jeremiah Flores Does she know it? Sing these songs with her. Dance close, sing to her

  16. J.... P....

    She tells me I sing their songs in my sleep

  17. K.... A....

    I just had to say goodbye to someone I love more than words and was already crying as I hugged them goodbye
    Now I’m listening to this and #megacrying

  18. O.... e....

    One of my many favorite songs of these guys. They are awesome.

  19. J.... V....

    I onced lived a life before this song came to heart and yet nonsense we all want more and continue to live.

  20. Q.... A....

    I was asked out today by this song. This song will mean so much to me forever. I never listen to this band but this is definitely my favorite song rn

    Q.... A....

    @Chris Moore we broke up 😬

    Q.... A....

    @Queen A - I'm sorry to hear that

    Q.... A....

    Queen A that took a turn😳

    Q.... A....

    Wow. Hope it all works out.

  21. D.... S....

    The first time I heard this song was while driving through North Carolina on the way to the beach. The hubs was asleep so I played it over and over until he woke up. I'm playing it over and over again tonight. It's what I imagine the hubs would say to me when he finally discovers his poetic side.

  22. 1.... S....

    Buena music country song . Te saludo desde Argentina Ciudadela Buenos Aires , DiegoRockabilly&CountryRock. 👋👍😆🎧🎵🎶🎵🎶💣

  23. A.... V....

    My favorite Avett Bros song. 😭

  24. D.... ....

    #Beautiful...
    i wrote her a letter, but cannot mail it... I'm sorry you left so suddenly--- i am grateful it was painless. Meanwhile I'll carry you with me in spirit knowing we'll be together again soon enough <3
    #RIPklc

  25. D.... L....

    I just love the way it floats along...it even got me to pick up my guitar again wish it didn't have that B chord though. LOL Love these guys and Mandolin Orange...

  26. M.... K....

    Reminds me of the love of my life who got away. My love felt like this, just wanting to be woven in the fabric of her life in an innocuous manner, but afraid that she would see that as needy when it was really just this intense love for her.

    M.... K....

    How did it end? I would love to know.

    M.... K....

    Probably over. Haven't spoken in 4 months and haven't seen her in 10 months. @Jake Tomberlin

    M.... K....

    Matthew Kann, that's really sweet. It's nice that a guy can say that he loved a girl that much. I'm sorry you lost her. There will be someone else for you.. don't give up

    M.... K....

    beautiful

    M.... K....

    Poetic as fuck good sir.

  27. g.... ....

    This is the most beautiful song I have ever heard. ... Billy I love you like crazy. ... muah muah muah : )*

    g.... ....

    I'm the luckiest guy in the world...😍

    g.... ....

    @Billy Finch And I think I am the lucky one!!!

    g.... ....

    Oh, you two are adorable. Seriously. I hope your love lasts forever:)

  28. P.... G....

    Love you so much Avetts and Bob & Joe. THANK YOU for making my life!!!

  29. K.... D....

    I wish...

    K.... D....

    Kim Dixon I was a little bit taller!

  30. P.... G....

    This song is so mildly erotic, but it's not even the least bit crude or really even sexy. It's just lovely!! It's LOVE-ly!

  31. D.... C....

    Amazing song!!

  32. C.... K....

    just a fantastic song with such vividness

  33. A.... B....

    I adore this. May It Last was wonderful on HBO

  34. B.... ....

    This will stick in your head... I love it

  35. P.... G....

    That is SO BEAUTIFUL! I can't hardly stand it!

  36. B.... B....

    God is good for sending down His only Son to save us from our sins when He didn’t have to. In Jesus’ Holy Name, AMEN!

    B.... B....

    what does that have to do with the price of purple squirrels ?

  37. N.... ....

    One of.my all time favs

  38. M.... M....

    Some of the best harmonizing since the Everly Brothers....good Lord sweetest of songs and sound.. Love ya guys

    M.... M....

    Ms. Mandypants ppppppppp

  39. B.... G....

    👀Amazing. Just talented folks sharing love & reality.

  40. N.... A....

    I have fallen in love with this band❤

    N.... A....

    Nancy Apolinar best of all.

  41. A.... ....

    Music isn't necessarily bound to one person's definition or description. It's open to interpretation. I just wished these guys didn't get famous. It was much nicer seeing them 10 years ago for next to nothing and not having to breathe pot like it was legal and given at the entrance. Dumb asses kill any good band that finds fame

    A.... ....

    Jeremy Franks I'm a smoker ass hat but there's a time and place for everything. Some people are just too selfish to have respect enough to do the right thing anymore. And as for the band before fame, it doesn't change my love, respect, and admiration for these folks. I liked having them in a smaller more personal atmospere.

    A.... ....

    Ant-Dawg Right because I’m the ass hat crying about pot smoking at a concert. Don’t be such a pussy.

    A.... ....

    Ant-Dawg Nice one. For what it’s worth I read your original reply to me as “Is” instead of “I’m”. I wouldn’t have called you a pussy had I read it right, but the principle is the same.

    A.... ....

    Hilarious misread.

    A.... ....

    I guess I should've explained myself a little more. I raised my son to love this band. In this ugly world it was cool having something to enjoy together that's pure and honest and wholesome. After I and Love and You made them famous I went to see them again excited because my boy was with me for this one and it was a smoke fest. I don't care what others do but my son was bummed we couldn't stay and won't take him back till he's older. This kid donated his hair to locks of love and the whole 9 yards because of the avetts.

  42. M.... H....

    Whenever I hear this song, I envision it as an epic apology and confession. I picture a relationship on the verge of destruction because one partner said “I love you” and the other could not bring himself to say it back, being too afraid of all the things he mentions in the song. After coming to terms with his fears and realizing love is risk, he reciprocates his partner’s feelings by literally singing her this song. I picture the scene as a surprise and in public, but no matter the place or circumstance, it would be a pretty great way to makeup with your girlfriend.

    M.... H....

    You should watch the video as to what the song is about. It’s about wanting to be incorporated into someone’s life without inconveniencing them. To be incorporated as if he was a daily activity and not be a burden.

    M.... H....

    Very well put David!

    M.... H....

    Interesting! I had a somewhat similar, yet dissimilar, reading of the song: It's a fairly simple/sentimental love song until you get to the last five words. Even though the fact that it's a letter to a girl is revealed earlier in the song, "I love you. I'm sorry." reveals that it's an apologetic letter of sorts. Seth sings "I wish I was ___" because they're fighting and he's made mistakes. He wishes he was something other than what he was, in other words. It's more subtle than "I wish i wasn't always hurting you or causing problems or whatever it is," but those last five words COMPLETELY change the meaning of the song, as a whole. I guess what's amazing is their songwriting abilities that enable us to so many different interpretations. Brilliance.

  43. j.... w....

    Favorite.

  44. R.... P....

    In love...and not knowing what to do...I'm sorry...

  45. A.... B....

    Verse 1]
    I wish I was a flame dancing in a candle
    Lighting up your living room, high on a mantle
    I could bring some romance without any scandal
    And then when you were done, you'd just put me out

    [Verse 2]
    I wish I was a tune you sang in your kitchen
    Putting your groceries away and washing your dishes
    I could float around your tongue and ease the tension
    And then when you were done, you'd just quiet down

    [Chorus]
    But if I get too close
    Will the magic fade?
    Would I turn you off or away?
    If I pull you in
    Would I push you out
    Of something here you care about?
    I'm at a loss for what to do
    I'm drawn to you

    [Verse 3]
    I wish I was a sweater wrapped around your hips
    And when it got too cold, into me you'd slip
    And when the sun came back, you would hang me up
    And I would watch you while you undress


    [Chorus]
    But if I get too close
    Will the magic fade?
    Would I turn you off or away?
    If I pull you in
    Now would I push you out
    Of something here you care about?
    Well I'm at a loss for what to do
    But I'm drawn to you

    [Outro]
    I'm not a song
    I'm not a sweater
    I'm not a fire
    I'm something better
    I'm a man in love writing you a letter
    Will you take it?
    Will you keep it?
    Will you read it?
    Believe it
    I love you
    I'm sorry

  46. M.... B....

    This song leaves so much left unsaid. That ending. I'm sorry.

  47. M.... C....

    Just made like # 1k. Wish I could give a thousand more

  48. H.... S....

    They don't have any good guitar tutorials for this song.

    H.... S....

    Hiram-Abif S. Jessop it's a swing so really it's easy to break down. I play as well but I wouldn't be able to do it if I wasn't a brass player and read both bass and treble cleff. It's a common swing. Find a song that sounds similar and start adjusting notes

  49. T.... ....

    Just this moment watching The Avett brothers on HBO. Love this song and their relationship.

    T.... ....

    TheGuillermo519 Well I’ll be, literally what I was just watching. May it last: A portrait of the Avett Brothers. Cheers.

  50. M.... W....

    Damn good song

  51. J.... H....

    Speaking from my own personal perspective, I think this song could be about falling for a man. (I don't know about the Avett brother's or if that was their intention with this song, but boy.) Think about it from that perspective, that sort of through-the-looking-glass feeling of liking someone you know cannot like you back. Not someone who just deosn't, someone who can't. It's pretty spooky if you think about like that.

    J.... H....

    JABBERWOCKEE
    Hence, 'Could be.' It's an interpretation; art is subjective, so therefore neither of us are right.

    J.... H....

    not when the artist clearly states otherwise. Watch the HBO documentary.

    J.... H....

    JABBERWOCKEE
    Then I'll have to watch the documentary; still, it was only an interpretation. I did not make a solid claim, I did not say with certainty, "this song is a gay love story." 😂

    J.... H....

    About another man? This must have to do with your own sexual preference.

    J.... H....

    Jim Keller
    I literally qualify my statement with that before starting my point.

  52. a.... m....

    I wish I was a flame dancing in a candle
    Lighting up your living room high on the mantle
    I could bring some romance without any scandal
    And then when you were done you'd just put me out

    I wish I was a tune you sang in your kitchen
    Putting your groceries away and washing your dishes
    I could float around your tongue and ease the tension
    And then when you were done you'd just quiet down

    But if I get too close
    Will the magic fade?
    Would I turn you off or away?
    If I pull you in
    Would I push you out
    Of something here you care about?
    I'm at a loss for what to do
    I'm drawn to you

    I wish I was a sweater wrapped around your hips
    And when it got too cold into me you'd slip
    And when the sun came back you would hang me up
    And I would watch you while you undress

    But if I get too close
    Will the magic fade?
    Would I turn you off or away?
    If I pull you in
    Now would I push you out
    Of something here you care about?
    Well I'm at a loss for what to do
    But I'm drawn to you

    I'm not a song
    I am not a sweater
    I'm not a fire
    I am something better
    I'm a man in love writing you a letter
    Will you take it
    Will you keep it
    Will you read it
    Believe it
    I love you
    I'm sorry

  53. C.... R....

    Perfect.... !

  54. L.... F....

    I’ve been to a concert they’re great

  55. A.... H....

    beautiful...been a fan of the bros. for a long while. continue to write amazing music that hits you in the heart.

    A.... H....

    Aaron Hicks they couldn't break out as a music group way back when but they found success as writers and producers well before they became "known". I've been with the group since Four Thieves and they never disappoint.

  56. s.... ....

    Story of my life

  57. G.... K....

    I love it

  58. L.... ....

    This the most beautifully played and lyrically enchanting songs I have ever heard.

  59. I.... ....

    I think this the most beautiful song /apology I've ever heard.

  60. S.... P....

    another great song by the brothers

  61. L.... G....

    Cried like a little baby to this song.

    L.... G....

    Lindsey Guidry I did to

    L.... G....

    Everytime

  62. A.... D....

    Great song. Really nice blend of vocals, guitar, and lyrics.

    A.... D....

    my new most favorite song, beautiful, I love you!

  63. T.... R....

    so beautiful!

  64. M.... A....

    i wish i was better for you. im sorry. i love you.

    M.... A....

    You don't need to be better, you are more than enough.. what are you sorry for?

  65. j.... ....

    Just beautiful.

  66. C.... G....

    This is the sweetest, most tender poem that I've heard in many a year.

    C.... G....

    Cathy Griffith I Agree!

  67. A.... C....

    My best memory with my girl. The one i used to have. I know she remembers

    A.... C....

    Adrian Calderon took the words right out of my heart.

    There's no way they don't remember us.

    I miss her everyday.

  68. R.... K....

    I love this song and The Avett Brothers! This is literally one of my favorite songs ever written, they are true poets. Some of my favorite song writers of all time. I hope to meet them and thank them one day. I dream of jamming and singing with them but that might be a long shot. Dreamers can dream though. I made a cover of this song. Check it out:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiCns_uE9AY

  69. d.... ....

    This is ridiculously well written. It's a fairly simple/sentimental love song until you get to the last five words. Even though the fact that it's a letter to a girl is revealed earlier in the song, "I love you. I'm sorry." reveals that it's an apologetic letter of sorts. Seth sings "I wish I was _____" because they're fighting and he's made mistakes. He wishes he was something other than what he was, in other words. It's more subtle than "I wish i wasn't always hurting you or causing problems or whatever it is," but those last five words COMPLETELY change the meaning of the song, as a whole. GD they're amazing.

    d.... ....

    He doesn't want to take the chance of ruining the friendship they have. By making a move it would complicate things and take it to another level that he can't stop thinking about. And if she/he (?) rejects him for any reason then he takes the chance of losing everything they already have. But he can't stop thinking of her and makes his mind up and for that he is already apologizing. Very real song, I think at least...

    d.... ....

    Or simply sexual energy and the complications it brings.. I like to think it's a little more romantic though, but I didn't write it. He's going in and no turning back.

    d.... ....

    Ham Hampton I think you're exactly right. It's not an apology for any wrong doing. It's an apology for not being able to not feel the way he does.

    d.... ....

    dontcallmegus the beauty of music is individual interpretation so none of you are wrong but I drive trucks and this tune hit me. To me it's a guy speaking to a special girl that for some reason can't get to her. Although being an item sharing her space would be cool, sorry I'm a dude and I'm not able. That's how I feel it

    d.... ....

    I hear it as he's sorry he can't love her in exactly the right way. His love is too needy. He wishes he could be the a light or a sweater when she needs it, and then just be put away when she's taken what she needs from his love.

  70. c.... ....

    First time I heard this song I was going through a sad breakup. I was putting my groceries away and started doing the dishes. I was kind of half listening to the song thinking "oh that's ironic." I started listening intently during the last verses. I bawled my eyes out.... Still gets me every time.

    Whenever I hear the song start I sigh, just like Seth at the beginning. It's like he knows he's about to mess with you.

    c.... ....

    I loved a girl, I took her to her first Avett Bros show, she loved it is as much as I did, music was our bond. We had a beautiful baby boy together, it didn't work out. She was scared, I fought too hard to keep us together and it pushed her away. We fought in court over him for what seemed like forever. I now go to Avett Bros shows by myself. I heard this song in concert last year, it was hard not to cry. I still love her.

    Dear Lord, that ending gets me every time...
    I love you
    I'm sorry.

    c.... ....

    If fighting hard to keep someone pushes them away, then they are either not a mature person or they wanted to be pushed away. It sucks to have someone leave you, but don't blame yourself for fighting "too hard."

  71. c.... ....

    Heard this song today and I'm really impressed with it. They still got their old vibes. Def the laundry room of this album I'm sure

    c.... ....

    crappybumbum go deeper. Their even older vibes are even better

  72. k.... r....

    Here is a good joke: "You wish you were the Avett Brothers? For that is what it seems the title says."


    That was a good joke.

    k.... r....

    Ahaha!!!! ;-)

  73. h.... g....

    soul broh

  74. A.... F....

    Why would anyone dislike this song?!

  75. D.... R....

    They just starting playing this on KGSR Austin. Its turning into a smash hit!

  76. R.... S....

    hits me in the heart, beautiful