Center of the Universe
Built to Spill Lyrics


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I heard what I said to you,
And it was so out of sync
With the way I wanted to
Make myself out to seem.
I don't like this air,
But that doesn't mean I'll stop breathing it,
Who doesn't think they're at the center of the universe being it?
Don't look now,
Just keep watching your TV,
Hating what's to see,
Waiting for someone to say something that's right!

I heard what I said to you,
Thought it was all understood,
But I wasn't getting through,
I'd go on if I could.
I don't like this air,
But that doesn't mean I'll stop breathing it,
Who doesn't think they're at the center of the universe being it?

Don't look now,
Just keep watching your TV,




Hating what's to see,
Waiting for someone to say something that's right!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Center of the Universe" by Built to Spill delve into the human ego and the need to feel important in a world of many people with varying opinions. The singer acknowledges that what he said was not in line with the image he wanted to portray of himself. He is aware of the discrepancy between his words and his desired self-image, which indicates that he is sensitive to public perception. He acknowledges that he is breathing the same air with people he does not agree with or even like but insists that he would not stop breathing it because he thinks he is the center of the universe, just like anyone else.


In the second verse, the singer accepts that he might not have been understood. Perhaps he meant to say something meaningful, but it did not come off that way. The conclusion that he draws, however, is that he would not give up just yet. He would continue to express himself and hope that eventually, he would land on something that would make sense. Meanwhile, the rest of the world remains glued to their TVs, filled with disdain for what they see, yet curled up in anticipation that someone will say something that validates their beliefs.


"Center of the Universe" is a commentary on the human need for significance and validation in a world where everyone is clamoring for attention. The song is a reminder that everyone is equally deserving of recognition and that we should all strive to communicate clearly and sincerely, regardless of public opinion.


Line by Line Meaning

I heard what I said to you,
I am aware of what I said to you


And it was so out of sync
However, it did not align with what I intended to say


With the way I wanted to
With the message that I wanted to convey


Make myself out to seem.
To portray myself in a certain way


I don't like this air,
Not satisfied with the current situation


But that doesn't mean I'll stop breathing it,
But I won't stop experiencing it


Who doesn't think they're at the center of the universe being it?
Everyone thinks that they are the most important


Don't look now,
Take note


Just keep watching your TV,
Keep watching television


Hating what's to see,
Disliking what is displayed


Waiting for someone to say something that's right!
In anticipation of finding the truth in someone else's speech


I heard what I said to you,
I am aware of what I said to you


Thought it was all understood,
Assumed that it was comprehended


But I wasn't getting through,
However, I wasn't able to communicate effectively


I'd go on if I could.
I would continue trying if possible


Who doesn't think they're at the center of the universe being it?
Everyone thinks that they are the most important


Don't look now,
Take note


Just keep watching your TV,
Keep watching television


Hating what's to see,
Disliking what is displayed


Waiting for someone to say something that's right!
In anticipation of finding the truth in someone else's speech




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DOUG MARTSCH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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