The song "Save Yourself" by James McMurtry tells the story of someone who realizes that they need to take control of their own life and make the necessary changes to be happy. The lyrics describe someone who is tired of chasing after things that will never bring them true satisfaction, and has come to the realization that only they can save themselves. The opening lines describe a situation where the person has tried and failed to attain their desires, and is left feeling empty. They are surrounded by the noise of others' happiness, but it only serves to remind them of what they don't have. They feel trapped and unable to move forward. The chorus reinforces the idea that once something is lost, it's gone forever. The person is lamenting the fact that they didn't take action sooner, as they are now left wondering why they waited so long to make the changes they needed to make. They realize that it's important to be true to oneself and not try to fit in where they don't belong. The second verse explores the complexities of relationships, and how sometimes what seems to make sense on paper doesn't feel right in reality. The person has had experiences with both "bad boys" and "nice guys", but ultimately it's their own journey that they need to focus on. They recognize that they can't let anyone else's pain or baggage hold them back. The final verse describes a life that is stable but not fulfilling. The person has a decent job and a functional car, but they still feel restless. They spend their evenings alone, sifting through their thoughts and trying to make sense of it all. The lyrics suggest that even when you think you have everything figured out, there's still a part of you that's unsettled. Overall, "Save Yourself" is a song about taking control of your own life and making the tough choices necessary to be happy. It's a reminder that sometimes the things we think we want aren't actually what we need, and that true fulfillment comes from within.
