This song is about trying to come to terms with your place in the world and getting perspective. Like a lot of people, I have big dreams and ambitions. I used to turn to people like Steve Jobs as a model of accomplishing big things. He was quoted as saying he wanted to “put a dent in the universe.” I’ve certainly had that desire (which made it into the lyrics) but now I’m questioning the sentiment. It has made me feel like if I haven’t accomplished something big, then my life hasn’t been worthwhile. I’ve had to learn to let go of that notion, be okay with where I’m at, and focus on the things I have control over. As one of my friends, Kimberly Knighton wrote in a song, “You don’t have to save the world. Just leave it better than you found it.”
I have a hard time sleeping, too much on my mind
Try to ease my burdens, if you could be so kind
Did I ever matter? Did I make a dent?
Now I’m second guessing, what it ever meant
It’s not easy to see the forest from the trees
It’s not easy to find the brighter side
It’s not easy to be the hardest one to please
It’s not easy to leave it all behind
I pretend I’m laughing, at a terrible joke
Just to keep from falling, try to find some hope
I was only fishing, for a compliment
Now I’m second guessing, what it ever meant
It’s not easy to see the forest from the trees
It’s not easy to find the brighter side
It’s not easy to be the hardest one to please
It’s not easy to leave it all behind
It’s not easy to see the forest from the trees
It’s not easy to find the brighter side
It’s not easy to be the hardest one to please
It’s not easy to leave it all behind
It’s not easy to see the forest from the trees
It’s not easy to find the brighter side
Released in 2001, “The Convincer” is a gentle gem in the Nick Lowe catalog; an anniversary edition provides opportunity for rediscovery. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 20, 2021