Meaning Behind "Pull for the Shore" Lyrics by Needtobreathe - The Story Behind the Song

The Meaning Behind "Pull for the Shore" by Needtobreathe

"Pull for the Shore" is a song by American rock band Needtobreathe, released in 2015 as part of their album Hard Love. With thoughtful lyrics and emotive instrumentals, "Pull for the Shore" has become one of the band's most popular and acclaimed songs.

The Story Behind "Pull for the Shore"

According to lead singer Bear Rinehart, "Pull for the Shore" was written during a difficult period for the band. After years of constant touring, relationships within the band had become strained, leading to questions about Needtobreathe's future.

It was in this uncertain time that Rinehart penned the lyrics for "Pull for the Shore," which serve as a metaphor for the challenges the band was facing. The "shore" represents stability, while the rough waters depict the troubles Needtobreathe was going through. Rinehart has said the song's message is about fighting through the hard times in order to find calmer waters again.

Lyrics Breakdown

The chorus is the main refrain that brings the theme together:

We'll pull for the shore
Pull till the oar is breaking
Everything is aching
But we'll pull for the shore

These lines captures the determination to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the circumstances. There is pain and exhaustion, but giving up is not an option.

Other key lyrics include:

Well it's hard to breathe easy
When the waves just keep crashing over
Almost human but we struggle staying sober

This verse is about the constant barrage of challenges, using the metaphor of waves crashing from a storm at sea. There is a desire for relief and calm, but it remains elusive.

So pull for the shore
With all of your heart
Till you can't pull no more
Pull for the shore

The repetition of "pull for the shore" emphasizes that this difficult journey requires total commitment. They must keep striving with everything they have.

Song Meaning

While "Pull for the Shore" was born from Needtobreathe's own experience, the lyrics are applicable to many of life's challenges. The song ultimately seems to be about hope, perseverance, and redemption. It recognizes that going through struggles is part of the human experience, but there are always brighter days ahead if we keep pressing forward.

In an interview, Rinehart explained: “To me, ‘shore’ represents sort of the end of the struggle. More than that – it’s the idea that there’s redemption possible after going through a difficult time.”

Why Fans Connect with "Pull for the Shore"

Part of the reason "Pull for the Shore" has resonated so strongly is that it captures universal feelings of being battered by life's storms. The lyrics are poetic yet direct and easy to relate to. Fans also appreciate that it's ultimately a hopeful song about resilience.

On top of the meaningful lyrics, the song is elevated by its instrumental arrangement. The piano and strings evoke the dramatic stakes of being lost at sea. Rinehart's vocals begin restrained but build in intensity, matching the rising action of the nautical narrative. The song never explodes into full-on rock territory, keeping the intimacy of the internal struggle.

For Needtobreathe fans, "Pull for the Shore" is a highlight of their catalog that exemplifies the band's lyrical storytelling and musicality. It's a song that inspires strength during difficult times, with an unforgettable melody that stays with listeners long after the final notes.

FAQs

What inspired Needtobreathe to write "Pull for the Shore"?

The song was written during a difficult period for the band when relationships had become strained after years of constant touring. "Pull for the Shore" serves as a metaphor for the challenges they were facing at the time.

What do the lyrics "pull for the shore" mean?

The "shore" represents stability and redemption after going through struggles. So "pull for the shore" means keeping on through hard times in order to get to calmer waters again.

How did the band create the musical arrangement?

Instruments like piano and strings create a dramatic, emotional feel. Bear Rinehart's vocals build in intensity through the song to match the rising action of the nautical narrative.

Why do fans relate to the song?

The poetic lyrics about perseverance through life's storms are relatable. The song is ultimately hopeful about finding redemption after difficulties, which resonates with listeners.

How did the song impact Needtobreathe's career?

"Pull for the Shore" became one of their most popular and acclaimed songs. It exemplifies their lyrical storytelling and musicality.