The song "Big Hopes" by Ty Herndon explores themes of hope, self-doubt, and the desire for love and connection. In the lyrics, the narrator admits to not being brave or particularly intelligent, comparing themselves to the character of the tin man from "The Wizard of Oz," who famously desires a heart. This suggests that the narrator may feel inadequate or lacking in some way. They also mention their lack of dancing ability and a string of unsuccessful romantic relationships, implying a history of disappointment and short-lived connections. The narrator acknowledges their absence of material wealth, specifically mentioning rubies and diamonds, which could symbolize a lack of luxury or desirable possessions. They mention a "box of hurt and a bag of shame," suggesting emotional baggage or a troubled past. However, despite these perceived shortcomings, the narrator expresses their optimism and "big, big hopes" about the person they are addressing in the song. They offer their old leather jacket, implying a desire to share something meaningful with this person and introduce them to their circle of friends. The lyrics also suggest that the narrator believes in their power to influence the outcome of situations through their connection to the moon and tides. This could symbolize a sense of control or influence over fate. The line "thirty two dollars, let's go somewhere tonight" implies a financial constraint but a willingness to make the most of what they have in order to create a memorable experience with the person they are addressing. Overall, the song conveys the narrator's vulnerability, hopefulness, and their belief that despite their perceived shortcomings, love and connection are still possible.
