AJ Mitchell – Carry On. Lyrics Meaning: Your Guide to Moving Forward
Ever feel like you’re stuck on the inside, looking out? Like you’re sitting behind a window, watching everyone else walk by, making life look so incredibly simple while you’re just… stuck? It’s a heavy feeling, that sense that you’re falling behind, that the baggage you’re dragging is just too much to handle. If you’ve ever felt that way, there’s a song that feels like it was written just for you, capturing that exact moment of quiet struggle. But here’s the thing, it’s not just a song about being stuck; it’s a powerful, low-key anthem about the strength it takes to get unstuck.
The Heartbreak and Hope in AJ Mitchell’s “Carry On”
AJ Mitchell really bottled up a complex emotion with “Carry On.” On the surface, it’s a chill, melodic tune. But when you really listen, you realize it’s a story about resilience. It’s about the quiet, unglamorous work of getting through a tough time, one day at a time. The song opens with a scene that’s almost cinematic in its simplicity.
Sitting by the open window
I’ve been up here, looking as they’re walking
Life it gets exhausting, failing more than often
You can just picture it, can’t you? Someone alone in their room, the world moving on outside, and feeling that sharp pang of isolation. He’s not just watching; he’s comparing. And that’s where the pain really hits. It’s that feeling that you’re the only one struggling while everyone else has it figured out. He admits that life is exhausting and that he fails more than he succeeds. It’s such a raw and honest admission.
Unpacking the “Baggage”
So, what’s this “baggage” he’s talking about? The lyrics give us some big clues. It seems to stem from a relationship that ended, one where he really tried to make things work. He poured his all into it, but some things are just out of our hands.
Kept you close, I tried not to let you go
There’s somethings you can’t control
That line is the core of the song’s wisdom. It’s the tough pill we all have to swallow eventually: you can give something your everything, and it still might not work out. The lyrics also touch on broken promises and the passage of time, painting a picture of a love that faded away naturally, without a big dramatic explosion.
Caught in the grip of time, I gave you all of mine
Promises all unwind eventually
Stuck in the same old game, no need to point the blame
I love that he adds “no need to point the blame.” This isn’t a bitter breakup song. It’s a mature reflection on how things sometimes just fall apart. It’s about accepting that and finding a way to heal without holding onto anger.
More Than Just a Personal Story
What’s really beautiful about this track is how it shifts perspective. It’s not just about his own pain. He takes a moment to think about the other person, showing a deep sense of empathy that’s often missing in songs about heartbreak.
Know she don’t know what to feel like
I hope she know it’ll be alright
Feels like a dream but it’s real life
He’s hoping she’s okay, acknowledging her confusion and pain. He understands that this is hard for her, too. It shows that moving on isn’t just about forgetting your own hurt, but also about wishing the other person well and hoping they find their peace. It’s a message of shared experience, a reminder that heartbreak is a two-way street.
The Gentle Art of “Carrying On”
So what’s the solution? The song doesn’t offer a magic fix. There’s no grand gesture or sudden epiphany. The solution is simple, quiet, and incredibly powerful: you just carry on. The chorus is a mantra for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed.
Another day I just carry on
Forget the baggage and move along
I’ll turn the page ’til the story’s done
You’ll only find me where I belong
This isn’t about pretending the pain isn’t there. It’s about making a conscious choice not to let it define you. “Forget the baggage” means actively deciding to leave the past behind. “I’ll turn the page” is a beautiful metaphor for progress. You don’t have to finish the whole book today; you just have to turn one page. And eventually, by taking it one day, one page at a time, you’ll find yourself “where you belong”—a place of peace and self-acceptance.
The true message of “Carry On” is one of gentle perseverance. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t a race. It’s okay to feel exhausted. It’s okay to feel like you’re failing. The most important thing is that you keep going, even when it’s hard. The song tells us that there is incredible strength in just getting through another day. It’s about accepting that you can’t control the future, but you can control your choice to keep moving forward.
I feel like this song is a warm hug for anyone going through a tough transition. It doesn’t promise that everything will be perfect tomorrow, but it does promise that it will be okay. But that’s just my take on it. What does “Carry On” mean to you? Did a different part of the song speak to you? I’d love to hear your perspective on it!
