Daily Song Discussion #136: High Steppin' : r/TheAvettBrothers
The chorus describes a man who is "high bettin'" and "love givin'," appearing to live a life of free-wheeling abundance while simultaneously "losin' grip" in the "canyons of [his] mind". The Avett Brothers - High Steppin
Seth Avett appears in the shotgun seat dressed as a skeletal "Death" figure, serving as a constant reminder of mortality even during the song's most "sunny" moments. A "funky synth vibe" layered with traditional fiddle
🚀 "High Steppin'" serves as a mission statement for the Closer Than Together era, signaling the band’s shift toward more personal and socially conscious storytelling while refusing to be pinned down by a single musical genre. Musical Composition and Contrast
A "funky synth vibe" layered with traditional fiddle and banjo, bridging the gap between their old-school folk roots and modern pop experimentation.
Released in June 2019 as the lead single for their album Closer Than Together , "High Steppin'" represents a bold, experimental pivot for The Avett Brothers. While the band is traditionally rooted in acoustic folk and Americana, this track blends their signature strings with pulsating 1980s-style synths and a spoken-word interlude, creating a sonic landscape that is both catchy and intentionally jarring. Musical Composition and Contrast