All We Are

Matt Nathanson's song 'All We Are' delves into the complexities of love, self-discovery, and the acceptance of life's imperfections. The opening lines, 'I tasted, tasted love so sweet / And all of it was lost on me,' suggest a sense of disillusionment with love. Nathanson uses the metaphor of love being 'bought and sold like property' to highlight how it can sometimes feel transactional and devoid of genuine emotion. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of personal growth and the realization that simplicity and beauty often lie in the most unexpected places.

The chorus, 'All we are we are / And every day is a start of something beautiful,' serves as a powerful reminder that our essence remains constant despite life's ups and downs. It emphasizes the idea that each day offers a new beginning, filled with potential and beauty. This optimistic outlook contrasts with the earlier verses, where Nathanson reflects on wasted love and the difficulty of changing one's mindset. The line 'Well, it's hard to change the way you lose / If you think you've never won' speaks to the challenge of overcoming a defeatist attitude and finding value in one's experiences.

In the bridge, Nathanson acknowledges the transient nature of life with the lines, 'And in the end the words won't matter / 'Cause in the end nothing stays the same.' This acceptance of impermanence is a crucial part of the song's message. Dreams may 'scatter and fall like rain,' but this doesn't diminish their worth. Instead, it reinforces the idea that beauty and authenticity are found in the journey itself, not just the destination. 'All We Are' ultimately encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and find beauty in the everyday moments that make life meaningful.