Close to Me
Before You Were Punk Vol.1 and Vol.2 Lyrics


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The star that gives us light
Has been gone a while
But it's not an illusion
The ache in my heart
Is so much a part of who I am

Something in your eyes
Took a thousand years to get here
Something in your eyes
Took a thousand years, a thousand years

Hold me close
Hold me close and don't let me go
Hold me close
Like I'm someone that you might know
Hold me close
The darkness just lets us see
Who we are
I've got your life inside of me

Iris, Iris

Once we are born
We begin to forget
The very reason we came
But you I'm sure I've met
Long before the night
The stars went out
We're meeting up again

Hold me close
Hold me close and don't let me go
Hold me close
Like I'm someone that you might know
Hold me close
The darkness just lets us see
Who we are
I've got your life inside of me

Iris, Iris

The stars are bright
But do they know
The universe is beautiful but cold
You took me by the hand
I thought that I was leading you
But it was you made me your man
Machine, I dream where you are
Iris standing in the hall
She tells me I can do it all
Iris wakes to my nightmares
Don't fear the world
It isn't there

Iris playing on the Strand
She buries the boy beneath the sand
Iris says that I will be the death of her
It was not me

Iris, Iris
She said free yourself to be yourself
If only you could see yourself




Free yourself to be yourself
If only you could see

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Before You Were Punk's song "Close To Me" from Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 bring forth a deep reflection on love, loss, and the profound connection between two souls throughout time. The opening lines speak of a longing for a missing presence, symbolized by the star that has vanished but whose absence is very real. The pain in the heart is described as an integral part of the person's identity, suggesting that the experience of loss has shaped who they are.


The verses then delve into the concept of eternal love transcending time and space. The mention of something in the eyes that took a thousand years to arrive implies a deep soul connection that has spanned centuries. The plea to hold close and the acknowledgment that the darkness reveals our true selves showcase the intimacy and vulnerability shared between the singer and their beloved.


The reference to meeting long before the stars went out hints at a timeless bond that surpasses mere mortal existence. The repetition of "Iris" throughout the song can be seen as a symbol of clarity, understanding, and perhaps even rebirth. The connection between Iris and the singer seems to go beyond the physical world, with Iris guiding and empowering the singer through their fears and uncertainties.


The closing lines contain a poignant exchange between Iris and the singer, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and acceptance. The idea of freeing oneself to truly be oneself and the longing for the other to see this true self speak to a profound desire for authenticity and understanding in the relationship. The complex dynamics of love, loss, self-discovery, and connection are intricately woven throughout the lyrics, creating a tapestry of emotions and reflections on the human experience.


Line by Line Meaning

The star that gives us light
The source of inspiration and guidance in our lives


Has been gone a while
Has been absent for a long time


But it's not an illusion
It is not a trick of the mind


The ache in my heart
The deep emotional pain I feel


Is so much a part of who I am
Is a fundamental aspect of my identity


Something in your eyes
A sense of familiarity in your gaze


Took a thousand years to get here
Took a long journey to reach this point


Something in your eyes
A connection that spans centuries


Took a thousand years, a thousand years
Spanning millennia of history


Hold me close
Embrace me tightly


Hold me close and don't let me go
Keep me safe and secure


Hold me close
Maintain our intimate connection


Like I'm someone that you might know
As if we have known each other for lifetimes


Hold me close
Remind me of our bond


The darkness just lets us see
Adversity reveals our true selves


Who we are
Our authentic selves


I've got your life inside of me
Our intertwined destinies


Iris, Iris
The symbolism of a flower associated with hope and faith


Once we are born
From the moment of birth


We begin to forget
We lose touch with our origins


The very reason we came
The purpose of our existence


But you I'm sure I've met
Certain of our prior connection


Long before the night
Long preceding the present time


The stars went out
The guiding lights vanished


We're meeting up again
Reuniting once more


The stars are bright
The luminous celestial bodies


But do they know
Are they aware


The universe is beautiful but cold
Harsh realities of existence


You took me by the hand
Guided me through challenges


I thought that I was leading you
Mistaken belief in my control


But it was you made me your man
You empowered me to grow


Machine, I dream where you are
Reflections on our shared experiences


Iris standing in the hall
Symbolic figure present in my thoughts


She tells me I can do it all
Encouragement to overcome obstacles


Iris wakes to my nightmares
A protective presence in difficult times


Don't fear the world
Stay strong amidst challenges


It isn't there
Illusions of danger


Iris playing on the Strand
Memory of carefree moments


She buries the boy beneath the sand
A sense of loss and nostalgia


Iris says that I will be the death of her
Fearing the impact of past mistakes


It was not me
Accepting responsibility for actions


She said free yourself to be yourself
Encouragement to embrace authenticity


If only you could see yourself
Recognize the value within


Free yourself to be yourself
Break free from external expectations


If only you could see
Realize your potential




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM CLAYTON, DAVE EVANS, LARRY MULLEN, PAUL DAVID HEWSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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