Song Analysis Mockingbird by Rob Thomas

Song Analysis

Rob Thomas pours emotion into his songs, basing a variety of them from experience. Originally the leas singer of Matchbox 20, Thomas took on an additional solo career, releasing “Something has to be in April of 2005 and then “Cradlesong” in June of 2009. Both albums went platinum and contained hit singles such as “Her Diamonds” and “Ever the Same”. It is undeniable that Thomas as a natural ability to sing and appeal to the Rock/ Pop audience. Thomas’ song “Mockingbird” demonstrates various poetic devices by adding depth to the universal theme.

A common device used in Rob Thomas’ song “Mockingbird” is allegory. In the first line of the chorus Thomas says “Maybe you and me got lost somewhere, we can’t move on, we can’t stay here”. Obviously, this statement is pointing at a void in their relationship, somewhere it went wrong, and the purpose was lost. The couple is not actually lost in a literal sense. Another prime example of this allegory is in the line “Take my hand and I will lead you through the broken Promised Land”. The Promised Land is also an allusion to the land given by God, according to the Hebrew Bible. This is slyly incorporated into the song meaning he will be there for his significant other while she struggles with her past. The main literary device in this song is the symbol of the mockingbird itself. A mockingbird is a songbird that mimics the songs of other birds around it. Symbolizing, in this song, that as hard as the couple tries, their relationship can not mimic one of happiness.

These poetic devices are key in exemplifying the universal theme; sometimes relationships simply do not work out. “Maybe you and me tried everything, but still that mockingbird won’t sing” is a perfect symbol to describe the underlying theme. One can not mimic a happy relationship when it is not there. This funnels into the middle of the song “Take my hand and I will lead you through the broken Promise Land”, where Thomas is again attempting to mend this shattered relationship abundant with broke promises. Ultimately, the song ends on the line of objectification, “Maybe we ain’t meant for this love”, tying the universal theme together, closing the song.


Thomas’ strong use of poetic devices along with a meaningful universal theme really puts the song “Mockingbird” over the top. The symbolism, allegory and objectification help bring the song to life. Thomas is a strong artist with immense capability. “Mockingbird” is a meaningful, compelling, song that has a connection in every life.

Lyrics:Here we stand
Somewhere in between this moment and the end
Will we bend?
Or will we open up and take this whole thing in?
Everybody else is smiling
Man, their smiles dont fade
And you dont even wonder why
You just dont think that way

Maybe you and me got lost somewhere
We can't move on and we can't stay here
Maybe we've just had enough
Well, maybe we aint meant for this love
You and me tried everything
But still that mockingbird won't sing
Man this life seems hard enough
Well, maybe we aint meant for this love

Take my hand
And I will lead you through the broken promise land
Yes I can, oh yes I can
I can be there when you need it
I'll give it all 'till you can't feel it anymore
I don't wanna love you now
If you'll just leave someday
I don't wanna turn around
If you'll just walk away

Maybe you and me got lost somewhere
We can't move on and we can't stay here
Maybe we've just had enough
Well, maybe we aint meant for this love
You and me tried everything
But still that mockingbird won't sing
Man this life seems hard enough
Well, maybe we aint meant for this love

Maybe you and me got lost somewhere
We can't move on and we can't stay here
Maybe we've just had enough
Well, maybe we aint meant for this love
You and me tried everything
But still that mockingbird won't sing
Man this life seems hard enough
Well, maybe we aint meant for this love

Maybe we aint meant for this love
Maybe we aint meant for this love