Judah & The Lion – Measure of a Man Lyrics

Judah & The Lion – Measure of a Man Lyrics

Writer Details

Judah & the Lion is an American elective shake and people band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2011 by Judah Akers (vocals, guitar), Brian Macdonald (mandolin, vocals), and Nate Zuercher (banjo, vocals). Known for their interesting mix of people, bluegrass, rock, and hip-hop impacts, the band has carved out a particular specialty within the elective music scene. Their breakthrough came with the moment collection, “Folk Hop N’ Roll” (2016), highlighting the hit single “Take It All Back,” which topped the Announcement Elective Melodies chart. This victory showcased their genre-blending fashion and lively live exhibitions.

The band’s third collection, “Pep Talks” (2019), digs into individual and family struggles, highlighting their commitment to crude and true narrating. Judah Akers’ capable vocals, Brian Macdonald’s wealthy mandolin surfaces, and Nate Zuercher’s complicated banjo work make an energetic and candidly resounding sound. Despite lineup changes and advancing melodic headings, Judah & the Lion profoundly associates with a wide group of onlookers, pushing class boundaries and conveying anthemic tunes investigating topics of personality, struggle, and triumph.

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Judah Akers, Judah Akers & JOSEPH]
Who have I become?
Am I a man or just the sum of
All the things l’ve done?
Will it ever be enough?
Do these shadows that l’ve tried to outrun
Deserve to be loved?

[Pre-Chorus: JOSEPH]
If life is counted by the years
And lived by the days and basked in the moments
Of joy and pain

[Chorus: Judah Akers, Judah Akers & JOSEPH]
Will it be my great successes or my greatest defeats?
Who I was in blessings or when I was on my knees?
And I didn’t know what to do, and I didn’t understand
Oh, l’ve wondering whеre l’d line up
To a measurе of a man

[Verse 2: Judah Akers, Judah Akers & JOSEPH]
Who have I become?
Would the man I am make proud the boy
That I was?
Will I ever be enough?
Are these failures that I’ve tried to cover up
Worthy of love?

[Chorus: Judah Akers & JOSEPH]
When I get to the end
Will it be my great successes or my greatest defeats?
Who I was in blessings or when I was on my knees?
And I didn’t know what to do, and I didn’t understand
Oh, l’ve been wondering where l’d line up
To a measure of a man

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Outro: Judah Akers & JOSEPH, Judah Akers]
Was it when I gave without wanting anything in return?
Or every broken promise or the bridges that l’ve burned?
Was it when I sunk lower or the taller I tried to stand?
Oh, l’ve been wondering where l’d belong
To a measure of a man

Lyrics Explanation

Verse 1 
Who have I become?
Am I a man or just the sum of
All the things I’ve done?
Will it ever be enough?
Do these shadows that I’ve tried to outrun
Deserve to be loved?

In the first verse, Judah Akers contemplates his identity and self-worth. He questions whether his actions alone define him as a man and if they are enough to give his life value. The “shadows” he mentions symbolize past mistakes or regrets that he has tried to escape. He wonders if these aspects of his past are deserving of love, highlighting a struggle with self-acceptance and forgiveness.

Pre-Chorus 
If life is counted by the years
And lived by the days and basked in the moments
Of joy and pain

The pre-chorus, sung by JOSEPH, shifts the focus to the broader perspective of how life is experienced. It emphasizes that life is measured not just by the passage of time (years) but by the individual days and moments filled with both joy and pain. This sets up a reflection on what truly matters in life and how these experiences shape one’s identity.

Chorus 
Will it be my great successes or my greatest defeats?
Who I was in blessings or when I was on my knees?
And I didn’t know what to do, and I didn’t understand
Oh, I’ve been wondering where I’d line up
To a measure of a man

In the chorus, Akers questions whether his worth will be judged by his successes or failures. He reflects on how he handled both blessings and moments of desperation, indicating that true character might be revealed in times of struggle and uncertainty. The recurring theme of questioning his place and measure as a man underscores his search for understanding and self-worth.

Verse 2 
Who have I become?
Would the man I am make proud the boy
That I was?
Will I ever be enough?
Are these failures that I’ve tried to cover up
Worthy of love?

The second verse deepens Akers’ introspection. He wonders if his current self would make his younger self proud, indicating a comparison between his past aspirations and present reality. He again questions his adequacy and whether his hidden failures, the aspects of himself he tries to conceal, are deserving of love. This verse continues the exploration of self-acceptance and the challenge of reconciling with one’s imperfections.

Instrumental Bridge
The instrumental bridge provides a reflective pause in the song, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to resonate with the listener. This break emphasizes the contemplative nature of the song.

Outro 
Was it when I gave without wanting anything in return?
Or every broken promise or the bridges that I’ve burned?
Was it when I sunk lower or the taller I tried to stand?
Oh, I’ve been wondering where I’d belong
To a measure of a man

In the outro, Akers and JOSEPH consider different actions and experiences that might define a man’s worth. They question whether selflessness, broken promises, burned bridges, or efforts to rise above challenges are the true measures. This final reflection leaves the listener pondering the complexities of human value and the difficulty of finding one’s place in the world.

Credits

Category	Details
Producers	Micah Tawlks, Judah Akers & Brian Victor Macdonald
Writers	Brian Victor Macdonald & Judah Akers
Release Date	June 13, 2024