Joan Shelley's song "Something Small" is about finding beauty and purpose in the small things in life. The song paints a picture of a small town where people are constantly rebuilding and creating something new, but it's never anything too grand or flashy. Despite this, the town still shines for those passing through. The song's narrator is a young man who is starting over after a breakup. He follows his dreams to a nearby town where he meets a woman with haunting eyes and a clear voice. She encourages him to pursue his dreams and reminds him that everything he needs is laid out in front of him. The lyrics also describe the process of creating something from the ground up, using the metaphor of stoking a fire and bending metal. This suggests that even though something may seem small and insignificant at first, it can be molded and shaped into something beautiful and purposeful. Overall, "Something Small" is a song that celebrates the beauty and potential of the small things in life, and encourages the listener to pursue their dreams and create something meaningful.