The 21st
Blue October Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
An anniversary of not being strong enough
You're much too co-dependent
A shrink is recommended
Your father tells you to try to be responsable
Your mother loves you, but not the way she did before
Your brother's torn to pieces
But no one knows the reasons
He loves the winter, but it smells too much like memories
The ornament she gave him still hangs from his Christmas tree
A jingle bell will glisten
That's when she loved to kiss him
So say farewell to all the little things she would say and do
The morning, sleepy eyed girl waves goodbye to you
You're much to co-dependent
A shrink is recommended
Yeah...
But yeah, who are the people you hang around with?
Who are the ones you're gonna call?
When you feel like ending it all?
But yeah, who are the people you hang around with?
Who are the ones you're gonna call?
When you feel like ending it all?
But I can't bring you down
But I can't bring you down
But I can't bring you down
But I can't bring you down
But I can't bring you down
But I can't bring you down
But I can't bring you down
The 21st by Blue October is a poignant song that speaks to the experience of the individual grappling with personal struggles and challenges. The opening line of the song sets the tone for the narrative that follows; that is, the arrival of the 21st day of each month, serves as a reminder of experiences that test the individual's strength and resilience. Throughout the song, the singer is challenged by co-dependency and an inability to navigate the complexities of family dynamics. The individual's parents, father, and mother, express concern and affection, but this is complicated by the individual's brother's suffering, which is shrouded in mystery.
The chorus of the song is emotive and encourages the listener to consider who they surround themselves with in times of crisis. The fact that the individual, despite being held up and supported by their family, required the services of a shrink, highlights the need for appropriate professional support in addition to family love.
The song is powerful in its ability to capture the realities of the human experience with honesty and raw emotion. The potent lyrics speak to the human condition and the impossibility of getting through life alone. The 21st highlights the need for emotional support and the benefits of therapy in flagging and treating emotional and mental health issues.
Line by Line Meaning
The 21st. comes so soon every month
The day of the month marking a past traumatic event arrives too quickly, leaving no time for recovery.
An anniversary of not being strong enough
The recurring occasion highlights one's feeling of weakness and inability to cope.
You're much too co-dependent
You heavily rely on others for emotional support and guidance.
A shrink is recommended
A mental health professional is needed to address and treat your issues.
Your father tells you to try to be responsible
Your father urges you to be accountable for your actions and strive for stability.
Your mother loves you, but not the way she did before
Your mother has changed her feelings towards you, feeling distant and detached compared to how she used to be.
Your brother's torn to pieces
Your brother is emotionally broken and fractured.
But no one knows the reasons
No one understands why your brother is struggling and in pain.
He loves the winter, but it smells too much like memories
The winter season brings back memories that are both painful yet cherished by the individual.
The ornament she gave him still hangs from his Christmas tree
The physical object serves as a reminder of a past relationship and the love that was shared.
A jingle bell will glisten
The sound of the jingle bell serves as a trigger for a happy memory.
That's when she loved to kiss him
The individual remembers a specific moment when they felt loved and cared for.
So say farewell to all the little things she would say and do
The individual must let go of the memories and actions of a past lover for their own emotional well-being.
The morning, sleepy eyed girl waves goodbye to you
A loved one departs from the individual's life, leaving them alone and feeling lost.
But yeah, who are the people you hang around with?
The individual questions the quality and value of their social circle.
Who are the ones you're gonna call?
In a time of need, who can the individual rely on?
When you feel like ending it all?
Who can the individual reach out to in moments of desperation and hopelessness?
But I can't bring you down
Despite wanting to help, the singer feels helpless in alleviating the individual's pain.
But I can't bring you down
The singer realizes they cannot be solely responsible for bringing the individual out of their struggles.
But I can't bring you down
The individual's inner demons are too strong for the artist to tackle alone.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Actual Music, S.L.
Written by: JUSTIN FURSTENFELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kecona
These lyrics are really hitting hard for me.
Blue October are so perfect in the way that you can relate to the lyrics, and then realize that you're relating to the artist; There's at least one other person who has went through what you're feeling when you hear their music.
@Wisurriv
I can´t pick a favorite either, been listening since 2003, stil havent got tired of one single song from this band, best lyrics in the music industry the last 25 years
@petercarrillo751
I love Blue October because the songs are so depressing and uplifting it all depends when I listen to it if I'm sad or if I'm happy they coincide with fluctuations of the brain I don't know where to run and hide or just jump out in the crowd and feel normal and that's what life's about..... I'm glad I'm strong enough to have my own mind and enjoy the music and life is once again fun and tolerable
@nirtakmeier6527
It's truly a great great song of Blue October! I'm listening to the song in a permanent loop... 👌🏻💎💙❤️💙👏🏻
@DotimusPrime
Great job!!!! One of my fav songs by them! What am I saying I love them all...
@fasjackson3588
It's funny because Justin told me once that he does some of his best singing when he is down and his early albums clearly show that when he was having such a rough times with his child and his mental state of mind etcetera and being in and out of several groups and things like that but now that he is happy and I'm glad he is, the lyrics are far more upbeat and harder Rock and cetera but they still kick ass but I definitely like the first three albums the all time best, the answers, consent to treatment, and history for sale are my three all-time favorite albums from anyone ever to this date. They are simply amazing
@nirtakmeier6527
Fully agree!
@mikerusso703
Wish they still played like this
@mrsjhutch187
I love blue october<3 and i love everyy single one of their songs<3
@Marinecoral1
Great video..nice little touches too : ) What an amazing band!!!