I think this song is more-so about what it takes... to accomplish and do what Jerry Cantrell has done. The lyrics really ring true to what it would take to live gig to gig making just enough money to survive hoping and praying you get discovered. Which is exactly how AiC lived before they made it - I highly recommend watching the documentary of them BEFORE they made it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXv3qMQpQJg&feature=related . The only thing he left out is it takes "a whole lotta LUCK". Unfortunately there are talented bands that won't ever make it. Then again, so many terrible bands have made it big.
Jerry's always written about real life issues within his own life, this unlike many AiC and Cantrell songs is a nice change as the lyrics are inspiring but true. The "It takes a hammer on a nail" is a metaphor for being a great musician taking more WORK and PRACTICE than you could ever imagine.
I think this song is more-so about what it takes... to accomplish and do what Jerry Cantrell has done. The lyrics really ring true to what it would take to live gig to gig making just enough money to survive hoping and praying you get discovered. Which is exactly how AiC lived before they made it - I highly recommend watching the documentary of them BEFORE they made it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXv3qMQpQJg&feature=related . The only thing he left out is it takes "a whole lotta LUCK". Unfortunately there are talented bands that won't ever make it. Then again, so many terrible bands have made it big.
Jerry's always written about real life issues within his own life, this unlike many AiC and Cantrell songs is a nice change as the lyrics are inspiring but true. The "It takes a hammer on a nail" is a metaphor for being a great musician taking more WORK and PRACTICE than you could ever imagine.