The song "Every Little Bit Counts" by James McMurtry is about trying to improve oneself and realizing that even small efforts can make a difference. The narrator of the song has been struggling with their thoughts and turns to alcohol to cope. However, they eventually decide to make a change and pour the whiskey down the sink. The narrator acknowledges that they have a lot of work to do to become a better person, but they try to make small improvements. They look at a picture of someone who is important to them, but knock it off the shelf in frustration. The lyrics "Every little bit counts" are repeated throughout the song to emphasize the importance of small efforts. The narrator admits that it might be too little, too late to turn everything around completely, but they are still committed to trying. They say that the highs are slightly higher and the lows are not as low, indicating some progress. In the end, the message of the song is that even small, incremental efforts can make a difference. Whether it's trying to overcome addiction, improve one's relationships, or simply be a better person, every little bit counts.
