The follow-up single , "Sweet Sensual Love" reached number fifty-one in the UK, while Unity, the album it was on, went on to sell over a million copies worldwide.
Their most recent album was Versions Undercover in 2008.
Why Oh Why
Big Mountain Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was laughin' all day long, cause I'd lost my faith in you
It was raining, it was late, I don't know, I don't mind, I don't remember
What have you done? Tell me, what have you done?
Don't know why, don't know why
don't know why, I'm leaving
Don't know why, don't know whydon't know why, I'm so sad
It's very hard to meet someone if the world is closed
It's very tough to call you friend, people use to hate
I was tired of living life with all this paranoia
That Sunday smile, how could you know, it was your last goodbye
Don't know why, don't know why
don't know why, I'm leaving
Don't know why, don't know why,
don't know why, I'm so sad
Tell me brother, do you remember your first kiss?
And anybody here cares about the last you gave?
What about your sadness?
What about the rage you held inside?
Tell me you are joking
Tell me you are joking one more time
Standing in the dark, all alone, I'm just tryin' to understand
I was cryin' all night long, I lost the best friend I ever had
It was sunny, it was summer, it was your dying, it was me died
What have you done? Tell me, what have you done?
I don't know where you've goneI don't know where we've gone
I can't throw my arms around your picture
I can't wrap my arms around your soul
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you so much
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you so much
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you so much
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you so much
Big Mountain’s “Why Oh Why” delves into themes of loss, sadness, and existential questioning. The lyrics portray a deep sense of confusion and emotional turmoil that stems from the end of a significant relationship or the loss of a close friend. The opening lines establish a scene of isolation and introspection, with the singer standing in the dark and grappling with their emotions. This darkness symbolizes not just the absence of light but a metaphorical representation of despair and loneliness that comes from feeling abandoned or betrayed. The juxtaposition of past laughter with the current state of sadness highlights the stark contrast between happier times and the present situation—a common struggle when grappling with loss.
As the song progresses, the repeated refrain of “Don't know why” serves to emphasize the confusion and helplessness experienced by the singer. The use of repetition illustrates that the singer is grappling with unanswered questions about their feelings and circumstances. The act of leaving, mentioned multiple times, signifies a kind of surrender or resignation to the pain that the relationship or friendship has caused. This feeling of sadness is compounded by the acknowledgment that the world feels closed and hostile, making connections with others difficult. The reference to “this paranoia” adds another layer of depth, suggesting that the singer feels overwhelmed by their emotions and the actions of others around them, leading to a sense of isolation that further complicates their grief.
The lyrics evoke nostalgia as they consider memories shared, such as the first kiss and the last goodbye. These recollections serve to illustrate the profound impact that relationships have on our lives and the emotional weight that comes with cherished experiences. In questioning the significance of emotional moments, the song invites listeners to confront their own memories and the bittersweet nature of reminiscing. The mention of rage and sadness implies a struggle not only with the loss itself but also with the complex emotions that accompany it, like anger at the situation or regret over things left unsaid. The plea for a joke implies a desire for levity in the face of sorrow, revealing a struggle to cope with overwhelming feelings.
As the song reaches its conclusion, it encapsulates the sense of longing and grief that permeates the entire piece. The repeated phrase “I miss you” emphasizes the deep emotional void left by the absence of the person addressed in the song. The imagery of trying to embrace a photograph or a soul reflects the impossibility of truly reconnecting or finding closure after a significant loss. The juxtaposition of “sunny” summer memories with the reality of loss highlights how the warmth and brightness of life can suddenly shift into darkness. The profound sadness exudes through the singer's expression, encapsulating a universal human experience: the struggle to cope with love lost, the challenge of understanding grief, and the longing to reconnect with that which is no longer there, illustrating both the fragility of life and the enduring power of memory.
Line by Line Meaning
Standing in the dark, all alone I'm just tryin' to understand
In a moment of solitude and confusion, I find myself reflecting on my emotions and seeking clarity in a turbulent situation.
I was laughin' all day long, cause I'd lost my faith in you
Despite outward appearances of joy, the laughter hides a deeper betrayal and disillusionment with someone I once trusted.
It was raining, it was late, I don't know, I don't mind, I don't remember
Amidst the chaos and gloom of my surroundings, I find myself emotionally numb, unable to recall specific details of this painful moment.
What have you done? Tell me, what have you done?
I am grappling with a sense of disbelief and betrayal, yearning for clarity about the actions that have led to this heartbreak.
Don't know why, don't know why
I'm overwhelmed and perplexed by the emotional turmoil that compels me to make difficult choices.
don't know why, I'm leaving
I find myself compelled to walk away from a situation, unable to articulate the reasons fueling my departure.
Don't know why, don't know why
The cycle of confusion continues, as I grapple with the understanding of my feelings and actions.
don't know why, I'm so sad
A profound sadness envelops me, stemming from unknown sources that add to my feelings of loss and grief.
It's very hard to meet someone if the world is closed
In times of isolation and despair, forging connections with others becomes an arduous task, compounded by external circumstances.
It's very tough to call you friend, people use to hate
Trust and friendship feel fragile, as the darkness around us breeds negativity and hostility towards genuine connections.
I was tired of living life with all this paranoia
The constant state of fear and anxiety has drained me, making it difficult to navigate relationships and life itself.
That Sunday smile, how could you know, it was your last goodbye
The fleeting moments of joy hid the finality of our last encounter, which was taken for granted at the time.
Don't know why, don't know why
Once again, I'm engulfed in the confusion regarding the reasons behind my pain and decisions.
don't know why, I'm leaving
I face the weight of a decision to depart, even though I cannot fully comprehend the motivations behind it.
Don't know why, don't know why
This ongoing confusion persists, underscoring my emotional state as I attempt to navigate my feelings.
don't know why, I'm so sad
An all-consuming sadness overwhelms me, remaining inexplicable and deeply rooted within.
Tell me brother, do you remember your first kiss?
I invoke a nostalgic memory, seeking a shared moment that carries significance in our past.
And anybody here cares about the last you gave?
I question whether anyone reflects on the closing moments of connection that linger with them after loss.
What about your sadness?
I implore for recognition of unaddressed emotions that profoundly affect us within our shared experiences.
What about the rage you held inside?
I invite contemplation of the hidden turmoil and anger that often remain buried beneath the surface.
Tell me you are joking
I find myself hoping that the gravity of our situation is merely a jest and that relief is possible.
Tell me you are joking one more time
In seeking reassurance, I yearn for the comfort of humor to dissipate the weight of sorrow.
Standing in the dark, all alone, I'm just tryin' to understand
Yet again, I find myself in isolation, striving to unravel the complexities of my experience.
I was cryin' all night long, I lost the best friend I ever had
The profound sorrow of losing a cherished companion has overwhelmed me, manifesting in tears that reflect my grief.
It was sunny, it was summer, it was your dying, it was me died
In a stark contrast, a beautiful season was marked by unbearable loss, transforming it into a time of mourning.
What have you done? Tell me, what have you done?
Once again, I am grappling with disbelief and seeking answers regarding the actions or events that lead to this heartache.
I don't know where you've gone
There is a disorienting sense of loss as I realize the physical and emotional distance that has grown between us.
I don't know where we've gone
I reflect on the dissolution of our relationship and the paths we’ve taken that led to our separation.
I can't throw my arms around your picture
Despite the memories captured in photographs, there is a profound disconnect in physically embracing the essence of what was.
I can't wrap my arms around your soul
The intimacy that once defined our relationship now feels unattainable, as I long for a connection that is no longer present.
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you so much
The repetition of my yearning underscores the depth of my longing and emotional struggle in the wake of your absence.
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you so much
My heartache continues to resonate in the emptiness left behind, reflecting a profound loss.
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you so much
Each utterance of this sentiment serves to amplify the depth of my sorrow and yearning for what once was.
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you so much
I find myself expressing this solitary feeling repeatedly, revealing the unending void in my life after your departure.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Lorenzo Masini, Francesco Conte, Alessandro Montemagno, Bruno Mirabella, Alessio Cataldo, Roberto Colella
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind