carry me through (Meaning)

Feels like the worst year’s always the one you’re in
Haven’t heard a hallelujah, but I ain’t been listenin’
I’ve looked every direction for a good way to climb out
Maybe my reflection’s the only one who can help me now

Maren opens the song with raw honesty, expressing how when you’re in the middle of a difficult season, it always feels like the hardest one yet. She admits that maybe hope and comfort have been nearby, but she hasn’t been paying attention. She’s searched everywhere for a way out of her struggles, only to realize that the person who can truly save her is the one in the mirror. It’s a powerful moment of self-awareness where she understands that healing starts from within.

A little change of weather, it’ll make it better
When it finally does, it’ll feel like water in the desert

She reminds herself that change is inevitable. Just like rain brings relief to a dry desert, a shift in her circumstances will eventually come. When that moment arrives, the weight she’s been carrying will feel lighter, and the relief will be as refreshing as cool water after a long drought.

Yeah, I know tomorrow’s gon’ come
Preachin’ to a choir of one
It’s takin’ me a while, I’ll get there soon, mm-mm
Yeah, I got friends around
Plenty of hands held out
But I’m still the one who has to choose
To carry me through

She acknowledges that life moves forward—tomorrow will come whether she’s ready or not. But when she says she’s “preachin’ to a choir of one,” she’s admitting that she’s trying to convince herself to keep going, even if no one else fully understands her struggle. Despite being surrounded by love and support, the real decision to push forward lies with her. It’s a reminder that while others can offer comfort, the inner work of moving on is something only she can do.

I never let ’em see me, ’cause I’m prisoner to pride
No one’s been too busy, they’ve been here the whole damn time

Here, she confronts her own pride. It wasn’t her loved ones who distanced themselves—it was her fear of vulnerability that kept her isolated. She realizes now that the people who care about her have been there all along, waiting patiently. This moment is deeply human, showing how sometimes, we unintentionally shut people out when we’re struggling.

A sweeter side is callin’, and love was never lost, it’s
Just waitin’ for my footsteps to finally come across it, even if I’m crawlin’

Love and hope never truly disappeared—they’ve been waiting for her to take that first step. Even if she’s barely able to move forward, she’s ready to begin the journey toward healing. This is a moment of quiet determination, where she acknowledges that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress.

Yeah, I know tomorrow’s gon’ come
Preachin’ to a choir of one
It’s takin’ me a while, I’ll get there soon, mm-mm
Yeah, I got friends around
Plenty of hands held out
But I’m still the one who has to choose
To carry me through

As the chorus returns, it carries more weight. She’s no longer just acknowledging her struggle—she’s embracing her strength. While support surrounds her, the choice to take control of her journey is still hers alone. The repetition of these lines reinforces her growing confidence, showing that she’s ready to take that step forward, even if the road is long.

Yeah, I know tomorrow’s gon’ come
Preachin’ to a choir of one
It’s takin’ me a while, but I’ll get there, I’ll get there
Yeah, I got friends around
Plenty of hands held out
But I’m still the one who has to choose
To carry me through

She fully embraces her role in her own healing now. The journey is slow and challenging, but she’s determined to keep going. The repeated lines emphasize her resolve to keep moving forward, even if it takes longer than she expected.

Hey yeah, yes, I will
I’ll get there, I’ll get there, I’ll get there
To carry me through

In the final moments, she reassures herself that she will make it. There’s no hesitation or doubt anymore—just quiet, unwavering strength. She knows the path may be long, but she’s ready to carry herself through whatever comes next.