Song meaning of It’ll All Work Out by Blake Mills

The song "It'll All Work Out" by Blake Mills tells the story of a family facing challenges and setbacks but maintaining the belief that everything will ultimately turn out fine. The lyrics paint a picture of a hardworking and resilient family, specifically focusing on the narrator's parents and their struggles.

The song begins by describing the narrator's mother, who comes from a Mormon family. Despite their financial difficulties and political differences (voting for Nixon in the seventies), the mother manages to raise her children and remain optimistic about the future. This sets the tone for the overall message of the song - the power of perseverance and hope.

The lyrics then shift to the narrator's father, who is portrayed as a loving and responsible parent. He works hard to support the family and tries to keep their finances in order. However, he becomes a victim of financial strains, such as mortgage spikes, resulting in collection calls and increased pressure on the family. Still, the song suggests that he maintains his belief that things will improve in the future.

The narrator acknowledges the advice his father gave him about going to college and gaining knowledge but also addresses the fact that he chose a different path. Despite this deviation, he expresses gratitude and love towards his father while acknowledging that he didn't follow the expectations laid out for him.

Towards the end of the song, the lyrics take a more personal tone, as the narrator receives a letter from someone (presumably a family member) after being away for some time. The letter indicates that life has continued with its challenges, such as a broken arm and lack of heat. However, the narrator reassures the recipient that everything will work out and offers support.

The final verse introduces a sense of acceptance and forgiveness. The narrator mentions receiving a call from someone in a car with their friend from San Francisco, acknowledging the friend's sexual orientation. This suggests that the narrator has learned to let go of any prejudice or judgment, focusing on understanding and compassion.

Overall, the message conveyed by the lyrics of "It'll All Work Out" is one of optimism, resilience, and unconditional love. Despite the adversities faced by the family, the belief that everything will eventually work out is consistently reiterated. It encourages listeners to face their challenges with hope and trust that things will improve in the end.