Keeps Me Sane

The song contains fiddle, strong drumbeats, and acoustic guitar that is both strummed and picked. The lyrics feature nature and water-related imagery that captures the protagonist's personal struggles, vulnerability and angst as he ruminates on them.^[1][2][3] Tyler Nance begins by detailing the transition from summer heat to autumn maple leaves, to convey that unlike the seasonal cycle, his own problems do not resolve on their own. He describes being in the Nickajack and taking psilocybin, acknowledging they are merely distractions sugarcoating his struggles and suggesting he needs to find a social connection instead. Nance tries to work through them, but feels overpowered when he does. In the chorus, he admits he is to blame for his own mental pain, and although his habits are not supported by the people around him, they calm his overwhelmed mind. After a fiddle solo, Nance describes that even being in the peaceful, quiet environment of the mountain creeks does not provide him relief. He highlights the challenge of chasing his dream, which he symbolizes with the metaphor of rushing waters, as well as the paradox that even though his pursuit may drive him to insanity, it helps him move forward.^[3]