Brian Jarvis Finds Peace in “Maybe Another Lifetime”

After a decade filled with hard-won wisdom, quiet personal revolutions, and the birth of a new chapter, New England singer-songwriter Brian Jarvis returns with “Maybe Another Lifetime,” the first single from his upcoming record, Chapters. A poignant meditation on choice, destiny, and the what-ifs that haunt us all, the track sets the tone for a deeply introspective and emotionally resonant body of work.

Known for his heartfelt lyricism and melodic honesty, Jarvis has built a loyal fan base through years of touring and collaborations with artists like Howie Day, Rachel Platten, and Brendan James. His 2012 debut, Beautifully Broken, landed in iTunes’ Top 100, marking the beginning of a journey that would later be shaped by loss, fatherhood, and the quiet beauty of missed opportunities.

“Maybe Another Lifetime” is equal parts memory and acceptance. With soft acoustic textures and an aching vocal performance, Jarvis revisits roads not taken—development deals left behind, relationships that unraveled, and the ever-elusive dream of artistic “success.” But it’s far from a lament. Instead, the track is soaked in gratitude, anchored by the powerful presence of his daughter, Madeline, and the quiet strength of fatherhood. In one of the song’s most moving reflections, Jarvis imagines sipping whiskey on a porch with his late father, watching his daughter play “maybe in another lifetime.”

This single is just the beginning. “Maybe Another Lifetime” is the lead track from Chapters, a five-song project that chronicles the last 10 years of Jarvis’s life. From past heartbreak (“Down in Flames”), to sobriety struggles (“Pour Another Whiskey”), to the miracle of new life (“I Can See Your Heartbeat”), each track is a living, breathing chapter of a story still unfolding.

Jarvis’s return isn’t flashy; it’s honest, grounded, and essential. And for those who’ve ever sat with the ache of wondering what could have been, “Maybe Another Lifetime” is a welcome reminder: you’re not alone.

“Maybe Another Lifetime” is such a vulnerable and honest track. What was the first spark or moment that inspired you to write it?

There was this melody idea I could not shake. Of all the decisions we make in life, is there one that would have completely changed our lives? In my mind, I played it out and kept thinking, maybe in my next life.

It revolved around the idea of writing down all your mistakes in life. It also meant saying goodbye to the potential turns your life could take. As we progress through life, we often think about how it can shape out. At some point, the road traveled is too far to turn back. I was fascinated by the concept of what if, and I knew I wasn't alone when it came to this thought.

You touch on several “what-if” moments, career, relationships, and even fatherhood. Was this song a form of therapy for you in looking back at these turning points?

This is a great question, and of course it was. I have had many great moments in my career, but I have also squandered some great opportunities. The turning points in life are essential, and even after feeling like I would have, should have, could have…I don’t regret anything.

The song feels very reflective, but also full of gratitude. How do you personally stay grounded in appreciation for the present when those what-ifs creep in?

Gratitude has not always been my go-to. I have been learning to look at gratefulness over what I don't have. I am incredibly grateful for the things I do have. My family, my health, and my ability to write and perform. It’s quite simple if you can wake up one day and realize how simple little things are, really, all that matters. Having my daughter has completely changed every aspect of my existence and perspective. I haven't perfected gratitude, but I am more intentional about it than ever.

Chapters explores a range of emotional and life-changing experiences. How did you decide which stories or “chapters” were worth turning into songs?

Chapters really represent a wide array of stories over the past decade of my life. It also explores the idea that these ranges in life shift and evolve like a book. The story evolves, and the character archs do as well. I am not who I was in my 20s, and that part of my life seems so distant. So when I explored recording a song from that era, it felt like a chapter. The next single, ‘Down in Flames,’ has always been a fan favorite at shows, but I never recorded it. It feels like a chapter of my life being brought into the mix. Whereas, Maybe Another Lifetime, is fresh and new to me. Like my newest book of my life in a weird sense. Each single represents a distinctly new or past moment of my life.

This release marks a new chapter both musically and personally. What do you hope long-time fans and new listeners take away from this next season of your artistry?

I love your questions. I am a songwriter. I love exploring writing and have returned to this as my focus. My goal is to build on my past work and continue to have the platform to perform these songs in front of theatre-sized crowds. What I want anyone to take away is that these songs are written from a transparent place, a very vulnerable and human place. I want to connect with fans who enjoy that kind of writing. There is much more of this on the way, and I’m truly excited about the possibility of connecting with more people who resonate with these songs.