"Not Over By Half" is a song by Joan Shelley that speaks to the struggles of growing up, leaving home, and searching for purpose. The protagonist of the song has outgrown her hometown and feels alone and longing for music and meaning. She asks her mother to bring her garden to her, to hide the scars and imperfections on her body, but to leave the tulips for when she passes away. Despite the challenges, the song encourages the protagonist to persevere and keep moving forward. There is a metaphorical gold in her eyes that is blooming through the darkness, and she is still standing with her hand on the map, searching for direction. When the day comes when her light fades, those who have known her will be marked by the spark that she left behind. Overall, the song conveys a bittersweet sentiment of the struggles of growing up and finding one's place in the world. However, it also encourages resilience and the idea that it's not over yet, there is still much to be experienced and accomplished.
