Autopilot Off is an American punk rock band from Orange County, New York. U… Read Full Bio ↴Autopilot Off is an American punk rock band from Orange County, New York. Under the name Cooter, they recorded their first album - entitled Looking Up - in the year of 1999 and signed with Island Records shortly afterwards, changing their name to Autopilot Off, releasing the eponymous debut EP in the spring of 2002.

In 2004, under the current name Autopilot Off, they released their debut album, Make a Sound, which includes the single "What I Want", co-written by Rancid's Tim Armstrong.

"Clockwork" was featured on the soundtrack of the games SSX3 and NHL 2004. "Chromatic Fades" was used in NASCAR Thunder 2004. "Make a Sound", was included in Burnout 3. All of these games were developed by Electronic Arts.

On August 26, 2005, the band decided to take an indefinite hiatus and released the following statement on their official website:

"So, it's been quite a while since we have posted any news. We've been off the road for well over 6 months now. We played a couple of shows over the holidays in NY. But that is about all that has gone on. Rumors have started to fly around about what we are up to. We think its about time that we filled you all in.....

We've decided to take an indefinite break from Autopilot Off. It has been nearly 10 years since the band started, and it has been full speed ahead for the majority of that time. We have all decided to take some time for our lives outside of the band. We are all still the best of friends. In addition to this we decided a few months back to leave our home of 4 years at Island Records. We apologize for leaving you all hanging for so long. Thank you so much for all the support and friendships that you all have given to us over the years. We could never have done it without you."

In 2011, the band reunited and began recording again.

Walk on Water
Autopilot Off Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

As I came to my wits end
It was easier to break than bend
You said I lost my faith, but I think it was taken from me
Never could let my guard down
Once again I start to drown
Because the water that you said to walk on suddenly gave way beneath

Once again you prove yourself

And I'd expect it out of someone else
But its the best laid plans that often run astray
Yeah I know it sounds cliche
But it seems the more things change
The more things stay the same
And that's proved to make me wise
As I look through tired eyes

Don't ask me to walk on water
Meet you on the other side
As you stand there looking blankly past me
Now I've finally realized that
I was never good enough

I could never do enough
I was only strong enough to pick you up and carry you again

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Autopilot Off's song "Walk On Water" explore the disillusionment and exhaustion of a relationship that has become too one-sided. The singer has reached their "wits' end" and found that it was easier "to break than bend" in the face of their partner's demands. Their partner accuses them of losing faith, but the singer feels that their faith was taken from them by the constant pressure to live up to their expectations. They never let their guard down, but in spite of this, they feel like they are drowning as the ground beneath their feet gives way.

The second verse addresses the theme of disappointment, as the singer reflects on how even the best-laid plans can go awry. They feel like they have become wise through bitter experience, but are still tired and struggling to keep their head above water. The chorus is a plea to be met halfway, to not be asked to perform impossible feats or carry this weight alone. The singer has realized that they are not "good enough" or capable of doing "enough" for their partner's approval, and that they have only been "strong enough to pick [them] up and carry [them] again." The song ends on a note of resignation and acceptance, with the singer acknowledging that they cannot change the situation but can at least recognize it for what it is.

Line by Line Meaning

As I came to my wits end
At a point of complete exhaustion and frustration

It was easier to break than bend
Giving up seemed like the only option

You said I lost my faith, but I think it was taken from me
Accused of faltering in belief, yet the circumstances led to it

Never could let my guard down
Too afraid to be vulnerable

Once again I start to drown
Sinking back into the same struggles

Because the water that you said to walk on suddenly gave way beneath
Being let down by those who promised support

Once again you prove yourself
Continued disappointment from others

And I'd expect it out of someone else
Not surprised by their actions

But its the best laid plans that often run astray
No matter how well thought out, things can still go wrong

Yeah I know it sounds cliche
Acknowledging the overused nature of a common saying

But it seems the more things change
Despite efforts, the situation remains the same

The more things stay the same
Patterns of disappointment continue

And that's proved to make me wise
Learning from repeated experiences

As I look through tired eyes
Fatigue from dealing with the same problems

Don't ask me to walk on water
Don't expect the impossible from me

Meet you on the other side
Let's compromise and find common ground

As you stand there looking blankly past me
Unsure of the other person's motives or intentions

Now I've finally realized that
After much contemplation and reflection

I was never good enough
Feeling inadequate in the eyes of others

I could never do enough
Constantly striving for acceptance and recognition

I was only strong enough to pick you up and carry you again
Capable of supporting others, but neglected my own needs

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER HUGHES, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, CHRISTOPHER C. HUGHES, CHRISTOPHER C. JOHNSON, PHILLIP ROBINSON, PHILLIP W. ROBINSON, ROBERT KUCHAREK, ROBERT GEORGE KUCHAREK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS