Teddy Swims’ song Simple Things is a poignant and deeply reflective song about the journey from chasing big dreams to appreciating the fundamental joys in life. It’s a powerful narrative of realizing that true happiness isn’t always found in grand ambitions or material success, but often in the quiet, uncomplicated moments that we take for granted. The song speaks to the universal experience of longing for the familiar comforts of home and genuine connection when life becomes overwhelming.
At its core, “Simple Things” is a coming-of-age story that resonates with anyone who has left their roots behind for bigger aspirations, only to find themselves yearning for the peace and authenticity of what they left behind. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable treasures are indeed the “simple things.”
From Big Dreams to Hard Lessons: A Deep Dive into the Lyrics
The first verse sets the scene of a young man with big ambitions, eager to escape his beginnings. “Small town living gets old when you’ve got big dreams / Feels like you can only think as far as you can see,” Teddy Swims sings, immediately painting a picture of youthful impatience and a desire for something more. He then provides a vivid, gritty snapshot of his past: “Eighteen, tatted up, tryna sell weed / Knowing I’d take the fall for the whole team.” This raw honesty shows a rebellious spirit and a loyalty to his friends, but also a sense of being caught in a limited environment. The line “Wasn’t tryna hear it every time that you told me” suggests a past where loved ones tried to offer wisdom, but he was too focused on his grand plans to listen.
The chorus then introduces the core message of the song – a realization of what truly matters. It lists the seemingly ordinary yet profoundly comforting elements of life: “It’s the sound of the rain / Comin’ down when you fall asleep / It’s a call from a friend / That you love, but never get to see.” These are not grand achievements, but moments of peace, connection, and nostalgia. The critical advice follows: “All the time you can waste / Tryna chase what you’ll never need.” This is a stark warning against pursuing fleeting desires that ultimately don’t bring fulfillment. The chorus culminates in a hopeful plea: “Hope you come back around to simple things,” urging a return to fundamental values.
In the second verse, Teddy Swims reveals the cost of chasing his dreams. “How’s it been four, five years since I got down on my knees?” suggests a lapse in prayer or perhaps a profound humility he experienced. The poignant memory, “And how could I forget the sweet smell of the honeysuckles in the breeze?” highlights a deep longing for the sensory comforts of home and simpler times. The harsh truth of his journey is then laid bare: “Woulda never thought tryna chase this dream / Would give me nightmares, now I get no sleep.” This reveals the mental and emotional toll his pursuit has taken, contrasting sharply with his youthful optimism. He concludes this verse by recognizing what now brings him solace: “Nowadays seems like the only thing that calms me” – leading directly back to the “simple things” of the chorus.
The bridge offers specific examples of these simple joys, further grounding the song in relatable experiences. “Like a song that you know from the past comin’ on / When you need it so bad” speaks to the power of music and nostalgia as a source of comfort. “Like a drink in your glass at the end of the day / That you needed to have” represents the simple, well-earned relief from daily stresses. The bridge concludes with a vulnerable admission and a profound question: “Yeah, I try and still, sometimes, I mess it up / Lately, I been asking myself, ‘What’s enough?'” This shows his ongoing struggle to balance ambition with contentment, acknowledging that the journey is imperfect and the definition of “enough” is elusive.
The Road Less Traveled: Teddy Swims’ Personal Journey
“Simple Things” is Track 6 on Teddy Swims’ 2022 EP, Tough Love. This song is deeply rooted in Teddy Swims’ (Jaten Dimsdale’s) own life story and his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a global music sensation. He has often spoken candidly in interviews about the challenges and unexpected pressures that come with pursuing a career in music.
The “big dreams” he sings about are clearly his aspirations for musical success. The “small town living” and the past experiences, like “tryna sell weed” and taking the fall for his friends, are vivid details from his younger years, reflecting the environment he grew up in. This personal authenticity makes the song incredibly powerful and believable.
Teddy Swims has openly shared how the relentless grind of touring, recording, and the music industry can lead to exhaustion, loneliness, and a disconnection from the very things that once brought him joy. The line “Would give me nightmares, now I get no sleep” is likely a direct reflection of the anxiety and stress that often accompany fame and constant travel. The EP title, Tough Love, can also be interpreted here as the “tough love” of reality – the understanding that pursuing your passion comes with unforeseen sacrifices and challenges that make you appreciate the simpler aspects of life even more.
“Simple Things” therefore acts as a personal reflection on his journey, a moment of introspection where he recognizes the value of his roots and the quiet comforts that nourish his soul, in contrast to the demanding nature of his career. It’s a testament to his humility and self-awareness, even as his star continues to rise.
Why “Simple Things” Hits Home with Listeners
“Simple Things” resonates deeply with listeners because it tackles a universal theme: the search for meaning and happiness beyond material success. In a world that often encourages endless striving and consumption, the song offers a refreshing counter-narrative, reminding us to appreciate the present moment and the authentic connections we have.
Many people, regardless of their path, experience a similar journey: leaving home, pursuing ambitious goals, and eventually realizing that the deepest contentment often comes from unexpected places. The specific examples given – the sound of rain, a friend’s call, a familiar song – are moments that are universally comforting and relatable. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and remind us of the beauty in the ordinary.
Teddy Swims’ soulful and earnest vocal delivery makes the song feel incredibly sincere. He’s not just singing abstract ideas; he’s sharing his own hard-won wisdom, making the message feel genuine and heartfelt. This authenticity allows listeners to connect with their own experiences of chasing dreams and finding solace in unexpected places.
The Enduring Wisdom: Rediscovering What Truly Matters
Ultimately, “Simple Things” is more than just a nostalgic look back; it’s a timeless piece of wisdom. It serves as a gentle yet firm reminder that in the relentless pursuit of our goals, we must not lose sight of the foundational elements that truly enrich our lives. The “simple things” are the anchors that keep us grounded, offering peace and genuine connection when the world outside becomes too loud or demanding.
This track from the Tough Love EP encourages introspection, prompting listeners to consider their own values and what truly brings them happiness. Teddy Swims, with his profound lyrics and emotive performance, reminds us that the journey of life often circles back, revealing that the greatest treasures were perhaps right there all along, waiting to be rediscovered. It’s an anthem for humility, gratitude, and the enduring power of finding contentment in the everyday.