Long Way Down
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Lyrics


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Don't you try to explain all the words that you've made for love
But you can't even pray 'cause the words make you frail and hollow
Don't you cry to yourself just to feel like someone who's hit bottom
But you can't run away 'cause the hole that remains will follow

Don't you care just enough
Don't you feel your heart stop
But you can't know what you want
But what matters now is enough

It's a long, a long way down on your own
It's a long, a long way out
It's a long, a long way down on your own
It's a long, a long way out

Don't you sleep in the day just to dream it away for good
But I know you're afraid 'cause the best that you gave was not enough

Don't you care just enough
Don't you feel your heart stop
But you can't know what you want
But what matters now is enough

It's a long, a long way down on your own
It's a long, a long way out




It's a long, a long way down on your own
It's a long, a long way out

Overall Meaning

Long Way Down is a song by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club that speaks to the despair, emptiness, and hopelessness that sometimes come with love and other life experiences. The lyrics express a sense of disconnection and isolation, and a feeling of being trapped in a cycle of pain and confusion. The first verse suggests that the singer is struggling to articulate their feelings or connect with others on a deeper level. They acknowledge that words are inadequate and can even be harmful, as they reveal one's vulnerability and fragility. The second verse portrays the singer as someone who has hit rock bottom but cannot escape the feeling of desolation that haunts them. The line "But you can't know what you want / But what matters now is enough" encapsulates the sense of resignation and acceptance that pervades throughout the song.


The chorus repeats the phrase "It's a long, a long way down on your own / It's a long, a long way out," emphasizing the themes of isolation and distance that run throughout the song. The final verse is perhaps the most poignant, as it suggests that even the act of dreaming is futile and can't offer escape from one's troubles. The line "But I know you're afraid 'cause the best that you gave was not enough" adds another layer of sadness and regret to the song, suggesting that the singer feels they have failed in some way.


Overall, Long Way Down is a poignant and relatable song about the difficulties of navigating life's challenges and the feelings of uncertainty and disorientation that can accompany them.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't you try to explain all the words that you've made for love
You shouldn't attempt to rationalize or describe the feelings and expressions associated with love through words.


But you can't even pray 'cause the words make you frail and hollow
You find yourself too weak and empty to even be able to pray, perhaps because your words feel inadequate or meaningless.


Don't you cry to yourself just to feel like someone who's hit bottom
You shouldn't indulge in self-pity just to simulate a feeling of having reached rock bottom.


But you can't run away 'cause the hole that remains will follow
You can't escape the emptiness or depression that you feel, as it will always be with you.


Don't you care just enough
You may care, but only to a certain extent.


Don't you feel your heart stop
You may experience a sudden jolt or extreme emotion that feels like your heart has stopped momentarily.


But you can't know what you want
You may not be fully aware of what it is that you truly desire or need.


But what matters now is enough
What is currently important or significant is simply sufficient for now.


It's a long, a long way down on your own
Going down a path or experiencing emotions alone can feel like a never-ending and arduous journey.


It's a long, a long way out
Finding a way out of a difficult situation can also seem like an interminable and challenging process.


Don't you sleep in the day just to dream it away for good
You shouldn't waste your time and energy sleeping during the day just to escape reality and have pleasant dreams.


But I know you're afraid 'cause the best that you gave was not enough
You feel frightened or worried because you believe that your efforts or contributions were not sufficient or didn't measure up.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: PETER HAYES, ROBERT BEEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Josh Liam

Loved this band for years and just heard this song for the first time, so damn good.

uber1and

this was my unexpected highlight at Nottingham Rock City, 2010. and they even played half state. Awesome gig!

Ceren Elvantes

Listened to this on the bus ride to and from school once a day for a week. I'm still not sick of it.

chrxnxmn

Been listening to BRMC for damn near 10 years now and I simply cannot find a song I do... not... love.

EYE : NO CYNEMA

Robert your falsetto is priceless.

crazycatlady68

Marc Bolan lives in his voice..fantastic

comitdinosaur9

Boy, its amazening how just goofing around on Youtube can lead to some great music.

Angela S

This song played in dendy cinemas waiting for a movie and it made me feel like I was in a movie. :D like eternal sunshine

Josh Liam

This theater sounds awesome, I want to go there now.

Terryl Omilgoituk

10 years later and I still feel the same about this song. about life. it is indeed a long way down.

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