Meaning of "The Great Unknown" by Rob Thomas

The lyrics of "The Great Unknown" convey a strong message of resilience and determination in the face of uncertainty and adversity. The song begins by acknowledging the existence of rumors and doubts that are spread by people. The line "People are talking, what you can't un-know" suggests that once these rumors are heard, they cannot simply be forgotten. This leads to a realization that what one may have wanted or believed in was never real. It highlights the disappointment that comes from realizing that things aren't as they seemed.

The lyrics then mention how many people never cross the road of uncertainty and choose to stay in their comfort zones. This is represented by the line "Staring out the window of a combat zone." It implies that people often choose to isolate themselves and remain in a state of constant conflict rather than venturing into the unknown.

However, the song encourages the listener to hold on and keep going despite the challenges. It emphasizes the importance of persevering through the uncertainties of life. The repeated line "So just hold on" serves as a reminder to stay strong and resilient.

The chorus speaks about driving through the valley of the great unknown, symbolizing the journey through unpredictable and unfamiliar territory. The use of headlights represents hope, with the singer hoping that the light will shine upon them and guide them through the darkness. The lyrics acknowledge that those around may seem cold and indifferent, having hearts of stone, but the message is to keep pushing forward regardless.

The bridge of the song reflects on past experiences of overcoming difficulties. It serves as a reminder that one has been able to make it through challenging times before and can do so again. The lyrics suggest that the fear of being misunderstood shouldn't hold one back from trying to overcome obstacles and find their way to a better place.

Overall, "The Great Unknown" conveys a powerful message of resilience, urging listeners to keep moving forward, even when faced with uncertainties and surrounded by people who may not understand or support them.