Song meaning of By Degrees by Mark Erelli (Ft. Anaïs Mitchell, Josh Ritter, Lori McKenna, Rosanne Cash & Sheryl Crow)

The lyrics of "By Degrees" by Mark Erelli, featuring Anaïs Mitchell, Josh Ritter, Lori McKenna, Rosanne Cash, and Sheryl Crow, convey a powerful and thought-provoking message about the numbing effect of gradual change. The song begins by addressing the feeling of helplessness and despair that arises from witnessing the slow decline of something sacred. The artists express their astonishment and disbelief at the disturbing events happening around them, yet acknowledge that the human capacity to adapt allows people to learn to live with even the most tragic, horrifying, and unjust circumstances.

The lyrics touch upon various aspects of contemporary society that contribute to this numbing effect. The constant exposure to tragic news, the addictive nature of technology, the political polarization, the normalization of violence, and the loss of innocence all serve as examples of how people have become desensitized to the ways in which the world is changing.

Through this song, the artists encourage self-reflection and introspection. They ask the listener to question their own role in the world and their ability to create change. By mentioning the innocence of children and their exposure to violence, they highlight the urgency for action and the responsibility to take a stand against the gradual erosion of values and compassion.

Ultimately, "By Degrees" urges us to recognize the danger of complacency and emphasizes the importance of addressing societal issues before they become normalized. The lyrics call for a collective awakening and a reminder that we can't simply learn to live with everything that happens by degrees. Change begins with acknowledging the extent to which we have become desensitized and then taking action to bring about positive transformation.