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Might As Well Be Me

Features on: Bruce Hornsby Solo Concerts (2014)

Might As Well Be Me (Florinda)” meaning of the song

Bruce Hornsby’s song “Might as Well Be Me (Florinda)”, co-written with Robert Hunter,  presents a character who is ready to embrace love and companionship without pretense. The narrator, depicted as somewhat down-to-earth and unburdened by past attachments, proposes himself as the perfect candidate for Florinda’s affection. With expressions of resilience, humour, and acceptance, the lyrics explore themes of self-worth, companionship, and the inevitability of life’s ups and downs.

A sense of readiness and self-worth

From the opening line, “You can’t knock out the same tooth twice,” Bruce sets a tone of resilience, hinting that the speaker has experienced hardships and is thus more equipped to handle life’s challenges. This implies a sense of acceptance about life’s rough edges, perhaps signalling that the speaker is comfortable with imperfection. The line “Everybody loves somebody, essentially” points to a universal need for companionship, and the speaker’s statement, “If you’re looking for that kind of thing, it might as well be me,” suggests that he is willing and even confident in his readiness for connection.

The theme of resilience through adversity

The line “I used to collect a paycheck, swing from flagpole by my neck, playing ‘Take Me Back to Dixie’ in harmony” implies a past where the speaker endured struggles or challenging jobs. The use of “Take Me Back to Dixie” adds a nostalgic feel, referencing the Southern United States and its historical associations with both culture and hardship. This background implies the speaker’s willingness to rise above previous adversities and contribute to a supportive, perhaps even protective, relationship with Florinda.

References to companionship and shared experiences

The repeated line “Might as well be me, Florinda, to love you through thick and thin” emphasizes the speaker’s commitment to standing by Florinda through all of life’s challenges. The phrase “as anyone the cat drags in” humorously adds that while he may not be the most glamorous or ideal candidate, he’s genuine and reliable. The imagery conveys a sense of humility and the willingness to accept love as it comes.

Symbolism of the highway

In the verse “Make my bed on the highway, between the dividing line,” Bruce paints a picture of someone willing to live on the road, undeterred by the lack of comfort. This line may symbolise the transient nature of life and relationships, showing that the speaker is ready to adapt and make his home wherever necessary. The specific mention of “North/South Route 93” adds a grounded, realistic setting, illustrating that the speaker’s journey is both literal and metaphorical.

The concept of time and nostalgia

The line “It’s one day before yesterday, tomorrow’s less than a week away” plays with the idea of time in an unusual way, portraying a sense of timelessness or disorientation. This may imply that the speaker lives in the present, unburdened by the past or future, which reflects a carefree, open attitude towards life and love. Additionally, “I remember the future well” hints at a nostalgia for a future that hasn’t arrived, an intriguing and somewhat whimsical perspective that adds to the song’s overall sense of resilience and hopeful acceptance.

Acceptance

The repeated line “as anyone the cat drags in” suggests an amusing but grounded sense of self-acceptance. The speaker knows he’s not necessarily extraordinary but is still a viable option. This line adds a sense of humility and practicality, reinforcing that he’s content to be himself and willing to be a reliable partner.

Summary

Might as Well Be Me (Florinda)” by Bruce Hornsby uses humour, resilience, and a relaxed perspective on life to convey a willingness to embrace love and companionship. The speaker, embodying an everyman character, offers his authenticity and stability as a partner. Through imagery of highways, nostalgic references, and ironic self-assessment, the lyrics reveal a person comfortable with life’s unpredictability and challenges, making him the ideal candidate to share Florinda’s journey, and that it might as well be me. This charming and honest approach reflects both the speaker’s self-acceptance and the universal human need for connection.

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