Learning To Live Again
¸ð˹²¼Â³¿Ë˹ Garth Brooks Lyrics


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I burned my hand, I cut my face
Heaven knows how long it's been
Since I've felt so out of place
I'm wonderin' if I'll fit in

Debbie and Charley said they'd be here by nine
And Deb said she might bring a friend
Just my luck, they're right on time
So here I go again

I'm gonna smile my best smile
And I'm gonna laugh like it's going out of style
Look into her eyes and pray that she don't see
That learning to live again is killing me

Little cafe, table for four
But there's just conversation for three
And I like the way she let me get the door
And I wonder what she thinks of me

Debbie just whispered, "You're doin' fine"
And I wish that I felt the same
She's asked me to dance, now her hand's in mine
Oh, my God, I've forgotten her name

But I'm gonna smile my best smile
And I'm gonna laugh like it's going out of style
Look into her eyes and pray that she don't see
This learning to live again is killing me

Now here we are beneath her porch light
And I say what a great time it's been
A kiss on the cheek, a whisper goodnight
And I say, "can I see you again"

And she just smiles her best smile
And she laughs like it's going out of style
Looks into my eyes and says, "We'll see"




Oh this learning to live again is killing me
God this learning to live again is killing me

Overall Meaning

In Garth Brooks's song Learning To Live Again, the singer is attempting to reintegrate himself back into the world after a period of isolation or heartache. He talks about feeling uncomfortable and out of place, unsure if he will fit in again. Despite this, he puts on a brave face and attempts to enjoy the company of his friends and a potential love interest. He tries his best to act normal, but the process of learning to live again is taking a toll on him.


The singer's journey is a relatable one. It can be hard to re-enter the world after a setback, and learning to trust and feel comfortable again takes time. In the song, Brooks does an excellent job of expressing the emotions that come with trying to re-enter society after feeling isolated or alone. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is trying to put on a brave face, but finds the process difficult.


What makes Learning To Live Again even more poignant is that the song is an allegory for Brooks's own life. He took a hiatus from music to focus on his family and personal life, and when he returned to music, he had to readjust to performing and touring. The song is a reflection of the struggles he went through during that time.


Line by Line Meaning

I burned my hand, I cut my face
I am wounded physically, and this new experience is painful and scary.


Heaven knows how long it's been
I've been out of the dating game for a long time and feel unsure of myself.


Since I've felt so out of place
This situation is making me feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar.


I'm wonderin' if I'll fit in
I'm anxious about whether or not I'll be accepted and liked by others.


Debbie and Charley said they'd be here by nine
My friends are trying to help me out by setting me up on a date.


And Deb said she might bring a friend
My friend is trying to set me up with someone who might be a good match for me.


Just my luck, they're right on time
The date is happening and I'm nervous.


So here I go again
I'm stepping back into the world of dating and hoping for the best.


I'm gonna smile my best smile
I'm going to try to be charming and likable.


And I'm gonna laugh like it's going out of style
I'm going to try to be funny and engaging.


Look into her eyes and pray that she don't see
I'm hoping that my date won't notice how nervous I am.


That learning to live again is killing me
The idea of getting back into the dating world is almost too much to bear.


Little cafe, table for four
We're out on a double date with my friends.


But there's just conversation for three
The conversation doesn't seem to be flowing as easily as I'd hoped.


And I like the way she let me get the door
There are small moments that make me think this could turn out well.


And I wonder what she thinks of me
I'm anxious about whether or not my date is enjoying herself.


Debbie just whispered, 'You're doin' fine'
My friend is trying to give me some encouragement.


And I wish that I felt the same
Despite her kind words, I'm still struggling.


She's asked me to dance, now her hand's in mine
My date is trying to engage with me and I'm trying to reciprocate.


Oh, my God, I've forgotten her name
My nerves are getting the better of me and I can't even remember my date's name.


But I'm gonna smile my best smile
Despite my forgetfulness, I'm going to keep trying to make this work.


And I'm gonna laugh like it's going out of style
I'm hoping that my sense of humor will help me out of this awkward situation.


Look into her eyes and pray that she don't see
I'm still hoping that my date won't realize how nervous I am.


This learning to live again is killing me
The process of getting back into the dating world is almost unbearable.


Now here we are beneath her porch light
The date is ending and it's time to say goodbye.


And I say what a great time it's been
Despite my nerves, I'm trying to be polite and positive.


A kiss on the cheek, a whisper goodnight
A polite and friendly end to the date.


And I say, 'can I see you again'
I'm hopeful that there could be a second date.


And she just smiles her best smile
My date seems to have enjoyed herself and is being polite.


And she laughs like it's going out of style
She's trying to be friendly and positive, too.


Looks into my eyes and says, 'We'll see'
My date is non-committal about a second date.


Oh this learning to live again is killing me
Despite the possibility of a second date, the process of getting back into dating is still overwhelmingly difficult.


God this learning to live again is killing me
The singer is struggling to cope with the process of getting back into dating after a long time away.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEPHANIE DAVIS, DON SCHLITZ

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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