White Fences

"So 'White Fences' is a song kind of about the American Dream of, you know, growing up in big house, having a white picket fence and it's kind of where things go wrong. Where either you get that dream and it's broken, or things just didn't pan out the way that you wanted. Then what, who's going to fix that? I think that's the question that the song asks." - Bo Rinehart

Really interesting how the song has such a happy, peppy feeling! At first listen, people sing along and dance and clap. Even at the concerts, people are smiling, singing along... not understanding the underlying pain.

The American Dream looks so happy from the outside. The big houses, fancy gadgets, nice clothes, and expensive cars all cover up the hurt that often comes from ignorant parents, too wrapped up in their pursuit of wealth to pay attention to their kids. Instead, they dress their kids up, sign them up for this activity and that activity, and give them toys so that instead of being able to tell the world that they're neglected, they're communicating that their parents "love" them.

The reference to White Fences is methaphorical,not literal to the "American Dream."

The song is about unfirgiveness in a relationship where the other person is unwilling to let go of past mistakes (you leave me in the dark, recounting all my sings.)

The reference to the white fences speaks of the trouble becoming visible publically. The symbolism draws imagery "the perfect couple" being seen for the troubled state they are actually in.

The verse of the song does speak of the pain (possibly Bear) feels during the argments when the verbal and physical rejections come.

Great song. Catchy tune. Painful message.

Possibly there is use of intentional ambiguity in the wording of the lyrics, since at first listen this song seems to simply be about a relationship.

However, in context with NEEDTOBREATHE and their "sacred/secular" almost christian almost mainstream style, this songs seems to be about a lot more.

Perhaps this person made a mistake of love (lyrics: "We were just kids back then, Too scared to be alone") with a childhood friend, and now that they are older, this childhood friend holds a public disgust for this person for what happened between them.

This disgust/shame (lyrics: "recounting all my sins", "you put words in my mouth") and genuine regret both seem to feel (lyric: "I wish we could hit rewind") is in total emotional contrast with the metaphor of "white fences" symbolizing the "American Dream". Which is rhythmically beautiful when you're listening, but also a little mysterious.

It makes me think this song is perhaps about breaking rules in a religious upbringing, and dealing the with emotional/internal conflicting feelings that come with your decision making; what you want, what your religion wants, what will lead me to the american dream (the white fences), in this case, "end(ing) these white fences", as you get older and more knowledgable of other cultures outside your home/religion/upbringing.

Really stunning song, NEEDTOBREATHE is seriously amazing.