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Purpose
311 Lyrics


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I believe in your purpose baby
Coming up to the surface and maybe
I'll never see you again, then again, then again, who knows
Make me quiver hands will shiver
Still got all the things that I woulda give her
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)
But it's slow going
Something's showing yeah, yeah

They say, love is a stream that will find it's own course
Making due is a thing a thing I will do no more
Whenever you come back I'll be waiting
Trifling the slack no head gating
This is all pure fiction you know that's right
Just pure fiction that's all right

I believe in your purpose baby
Coming up to the surface and maybe
I'll never see you again, then again, then again, who knows
Make me quiver hands will shiver
Still got all the things that I woulda give her
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)
But it's slow going
Something's showing yeah, yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of 311's song "Purpose" express a sense of faith in the purpose of the person addressed in the song, despite the uncertainty of the future. The singer believes in the purpose of the person they are addressing and is hopeful that they will resurface or reconnect, but acknowledges that they might never see them again. The singer experiences physical reactions, such as quivering and shivering, reminiscing about the things they could have given this person, yet the pace of their relationship is slow and there is something subtle, yet significant that is showing.


The lyrics convey an openness to love and a willingness to wait for the return of the person, emphasizing that they will not play games or put up any obstacles when they come back. The use of the phrase "pure fiction" suggests a detachment from reality, as if the situation is not within the singer's control. Overall, the lyrics show a sense of acceptance and willingness to embrace the unknown.


Line by Line Meaning

I believe in your purpose baby
I have faith in your ultimate goal, my love


Coming up to the surface and maybe
Perhaps you are finally breaking through your struggles and showing your true self


I'll never see you again, then again, then again, who knows
It is uncertain if we will cross paths again in the future


Make me quiver hands will shiver
You evoke intense emotion in me


Still got all the things that I woulda give her
I still possess all the love and affection I would have given to you


But it's slow going
Our progress is gradual


Something's showing yeah, yeah
There are signs of positive change


They say, love is a stream that will find it's own course
People say that love will naturally flow in its own direction


Making due is a thing a thing I will do no more
I am no longer willing to settle for mediocrity in our relationship


Whenever you come back I'll be waiting
I will be here for you if you ever seek to reconcile


Trifling the slack no head gating
I will not tolerate any laziness or mental barriers from you


This is all pure fiction you know that's right
These lyrics are not based on reality, rather they are a story


Just pure fiction that's all right
But it's okay because it's not meant to be taken literally




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Nick Hexum

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Rolando Pagan

I believe in your purpose baby
Coming up to the surface and maybe
I’ll never see you again then again who knows
Make me quiver hands will shiver
Still got all the things that i woulda give her
Yeah, yeah but it’s slow going
Something’s showing yeah, yeahLove is a stream that will find it’s own course
Making due is a thing a thing i will do no more
Whenever you come back i’ll be waiting
Trifling the slack no head gating
This is all pure fiction you know that’s right
Just pure fiction that’s all rightI believe in your purpose baby
Coming up to the surface and maybe
I’ll never see you again then again who knows
Make me quiver hands will shiver
Still got all the things that i woulda give her
But it’s slow going something’s showing
Yeah, yeah



All comments from YouTube:

Lord Dudeness

Over 30yrs of my life I've been given the gift of 311, from my punk snowboarding days into fatherhood. I have a bromance for them

Rachel Moore

@Wolf Gulley how you doing?

Chris Murray

Me too! I lived in Utah from 90 to 2000. Riding at Snowbird and enjoying life.

Wolf Gulley

@Rachel Moore 🎶Coming up to the surface and mAAAybe I’ll never see you again…🎶 😌

Rachel Moore

I believe in your purpose, baby.

Wolf Gulley

I swear! That’s what I was thinking! I was only born in 96 but 311 feel like both snowboarding and surfing music!

Foodforcrows

I'm so glad they still play this one live. It's one of my favorite ones to hear, they groove it so nice.

springer 90

This stuff is timeless! Doesn't even sound like it's from 1995!

Wolf Gulley

It does to me, listening to this makes me feel like I’m not in stuck in 2022 right now 😔

Drew NoWord

You want hardcore, smooth, funky , reggae vibes with crazy transitions...311 is the answer

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