Record: Non-Secure Connection (album) .. 2020
My Resolve features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, Chamberlin, keyboards, vocals); James Mercer (vocals); Rob Moose (string arrangement, violin, viola); Gibb Droll (guitar); John Mailander (violin); J.T. Thomas (Novation keyboard); J.V. Collier (bass); Chad Wright (drums).
From Bruce Hornsby on Apple Music:
“I wrote this song inspired by a conversation I was having with my older brother who’s a big music fan, loves the old ’60s and ’70s music he grew up on. We were talking about the great old Stephen Stills band Manassas, and the first record they made [1972’s “Manassas”], this double record that was just really, truly great. Maybe the most famous song on the record is a song called “The Treasure”. It was this epic, sweeping piece, and our discussion made me go back and listen to it, and I decided I want to write a piece that gives me the same feeling. I guess you could say it’s the least abstract song on the record.”
“It’s a Sisyphean tale of the creative life, of the ups and downs. I wanted an angular melodic line in it, and I was inspired by a Shins record that I liked. So I wrote the song, and I thought, ‘This sounds like something on which I’d like to sing a duet, and there’s a Shins-esque area in this song.’ I’ve never met this guy but I’m a huge fan, so I reached out to [Shins frontman] James Mercer, through the channels, manager to manager, and he got back and said, ‘Yes, please send me the song.”
“Long story short, he liked the song, and we sent him the track and he sang beautifully on it. Now we’re friends. So friendships can happen through music, and here’s a perfect example of it. It’s one of the songs on that record that I’m the most proud of.”
Meaning of “My Resolve”
“My Resolve” encapsulates the struggles and triumphs of the creative process, reflecting themes of perseverance, self-doubt, and the pursuit of artistic expression. Inspired by a conversation with his brother about the band Manassas and its influence, the song conveys a deeply personal narrative about the complexities of the artistic journey.
The journey of creativity
The lyrics begin with vivid imagery: “Ash plumes rise / In electrified skies.” This evokes a sense of both destruction and potential, suggesting that from chaos, creativity can emerge. The phrase “incandescent light / Oh, with flash bolt eyes” paints a picture of inspiration, highlighting the dual nature of creativity—its brilliance and the fleeting moments of insight that can come amidst confusion.
The struggle with self-doubt
The song addresses the emotional challenges faced by artists. Lines like “I’m down when they’re high / On a survival line” illustrate the contrast between the highs of success and the lows of feeling inadequate or “down.” The reference to “my ineptitude stares me down” signifies the nagging self-doubt that can accompany the creative process, making it difficult to maintain confidence and motivation.
References to perseverance
The repeated phrase “in my resolve, I move the rock” serves as a powerful metaphor for the effort and determination required to push through obstacles. The act of “moving the rock” symbolizes the continual struggle against challenges, akin to the myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned to roll a boulder uphill only for it to roll back down. This connection reinforces the idea that the creative journey is often arduous and fraught with setbacks, yet it remains essential to keep moving forward.
The desire for growth
Bruce expresses a longing for personal and artistic growth with the line “I try to stand above the frame / Stand apart, not by it.” This desire to rise above limitations reflects a quest for authenticity and self-discovery. The aspiration to “fully flower” suggests reaching one’s potential and fully realising creative abilities, encapsulating the hope that accompanies the struggle.
Exploration of human connection
The lyrics also explore the importance of relationships and support in the creative journey. The desire to find “someone wise / With a soft caress” highlights the human need for guidance and encouragement. The notion that “you could help roll it up / ‘Cause I got no backup plan” conveys vulnerability, indicating that the narrator feels exposed without a support system, emphasizing the reliance on others during difficult times.
The cycle of highs and lows
The line “move on up and I roll back down” illustrates the cyclical nature of the creative process, where moments of progress can be followed by setbacks. The reference to “Grandpa’s book, no one hears my sound” could signify the passing down of wisdom and stories, yet it also conveys a feeling of isolation in one’s struggles. This juxtaposition reflects the bittersweet experience of being an artist, where one can feel both connected to a lineage of creativity and simultaneously unheard or overlooked.
“My Resolve” encapsulates the essence of the creative experience, reflecting both the struggles and aspirations that artists face. Through powerful imagery and heartfelt lyrics, Bruce Hornsby crafts a narrative that resonates with anyone pursuing a passion, reminding us of the importance of resilience, connection, and the continuous journey of self-discovery. The song serves as an anthem for those navigating the complexities of creativity, inspiring listeners to embrace their resolve in the face of adversity.