On Your Own Again
Scott Walker Lyrics
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Wasn't filled with talking
It still moves through my heart
From time to time
City after city
Granite gray as morning
Heroes died in subways left behind
Far behind like our love
You're on your own again
And you're your best again
That's what you tell yourself
I see it all the way as far as anyone can see
Except when it began I was so happy I didn't feel like me
The opening lines of Scott Walker's 'On Your Own Again' seem to reminisce about a past year that was 'good' yet devoid of much conversation. The lyrics then describe how memories of this year still linger in the singer's heart from time to time. As the verses continue, the song shifts into a depiction of cities that appear gray and lifeless, with tragedy having struck in the form of deceased heroes left behind in subways. The singer then acknowledges that the love they once shared is now far behind them, and that the person they are addressing is on their own once more, asserting that it is their best bet.
The most striking element of the song is how the singer's tone is consistently wistful and sentimental throughout, despite the stark and bleak moments described. This reflects the longing felt by the singer for a time now gone, and an appreciation for the fleeting moments of happiness that were present then. The line "Except when it began I was so happy I didn't feel like me" in particular suggests that the singer is struggling with the meaning or implications of this time shift, as they may have felt that the happiness they experienced wasn't entirely authentic to who they truly are.
Line by Line Meaning
Wasn't it a good year
Reflecting on a past year and questioning if it was indeed a good year.
Wasn't filled with talking
The year lacked communication or meaningful conversations.
It still moves through my heart
Despite the lack of talking, memories and experiences from that year still impact the singer emotionally.
From time to time
Occasionally and infrequently.
City after city
Traveling from place to place with no real sense of home.
Granite gray as morning
The cityscape is dull and uninspiring, like the grayness of a morning sky.
Heroes died in subways left behind
Tragedy occurred in the city's underground transit system, with no hope for those left behind.
Far behind like our love
Similar to the tragedy in the subways, the artist's love and past relationship is also in the distant past.
You're on your own again
The artist is once again alone, without the companionship of their past lover.
And you're your best again
Despite the loneliness, the artist is trying to convince themselves that they are still independent and can thrive on their own.
That's what you tell yourself
Acknowledging that the self-affirmation is not entirely truthful.
I see it all the way as far as anyone can see
Reflecting on the present and seeing the future stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Except when it began I was so happy I didn't feel like me
Despite the rough present, the singer acknowledges that the past relationship made them happy, but also made them feel like they were someone else.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SCOTT ENGEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mirsadathossain3932
Wasn't it a good year
Wasn't filled with talking
It still moves through my heart
From time to time
City after city
Granite gray as morning
Heroes died in subways left behind
Far behind like our love
You're on your own again
And you're your best again
That's what you tell yourself
I see it all the way as far as anyone can see
Except when it began I was so happy
I didn't feel like me
@MrLion1
Absolutely one of the greatest songs ever written, RIP Scott, the legend...
@OutOfAmmoOutOfTime
Except when it began, I was so happy...I didn’t feel like me......an ode to loneliness and longing.....
@flashtheoriginal
Truly magnificent, although sadly too short. The orchestration takes this piece of art into the skies allowing Scott Walker's voice to then share the wisdom across the universe
@Stratman389
too short innit, more!
@christopherbradley1426
Hero’s died in subways left behind.......Scott Walker lyrics. This short track is pure brilliance, is there anything that comes near that bass, strings and voice? He was a Master of sound.Played this over and over,whatever it means it hits your soul in the same spot every time....... play on
@catalunyac
the bass in this song kills me everytime
@jemmace2586
Beautiful, o first heard this absolute classic during a Radiohead video called 'meeting people is easy', ring's true for so many people.
@juliorivera6584
Too short...as his life. Rest In Ultimate Power, my troubadour.
@Rodatari
Genius.
@goodgodalmightygravyggag4559
This hits different in 2021