THE AVETT BROTHERS – No Hard Feelings (2016)

“No Hard Feelings” is one of the standout tracks from The Avett Brothers’ 2016 album True Sadness. It was their ninth studio album, produced by Rick Rubin, and includes songs like “Ain’t No Man, Mama,” “I Don’t Believe,” and the title track “True Sadness.” The record blends their signature folk-rock sound with more experimental elements, including touches of electronic textures. “No Hard Feelings” is a reflective, stripped-down song that deals with mortality, forgiveness, and acceptance. Many listeners and critics consider it among the most powerful and moving songs in the Avetts’ catalog — often highlighted for its emotional depth and simplicity compared to the more experimental textures elsewhere on the album.

When my body won’t hold me anymore And it finally lets me free Will I be ready? When my feet won’t walk another mile And my lips give their last kiss goodbye Will my hands be steady when I lay down my fears, my hopes, and my doubts? The rings on my fingers, and the keys to my house With no hard feelings

When the sun hangs low in the west And the light in my chest won’t be kept held at bay any longer When the jealousy fades away And it’s ash and dust for cash and lust And it’s just hallelujah And love in thought, love in the words Love in the songs they sing in the church And no hard feelings

Lord knows, they haven’t done much good for anyone Kept me afraid and cold With so much to have and hold Mmm, hmm

When my body won’t hold me anymore And it finally lets me free Where will I go? Will the trade winds take me south through Georgia grain? Or tropical rain? Or snow from the heavens?

Will I join with the ocean blue? Or run into a savior true? And shake hands laughing And walk through the night, straight to the light Holding the love I’ve known in my life And no hard feelings

Lord knows, they haven’t done much good for anyone Kept me afraid and cold With so much to have and hold

Under the curving sky I’m finally learning why It matters for me and you To say it and mean it too For life and its loveliness And all of its ugliness Good as it’s been to me I have no enemies

I have no enemies I have no enemies I have no enemies