Former members include Derek Webb (guitar, vocals; left the band in 2003 to pursue a solo career), Aaron Tate (songwriting duties), Aric Nitzberg (bass guitar), and Randy Holsapple (hammond organ).
Recently Derek Webb rejoined the band.
Trouble
Caedmon's Call Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got trouble all over me
I've got trouble since the day I was born
And it's not just a struggle
It's the blood running through my veins
It's all the clothes I've ever worn
Cause when I'm with you I feel so overdressed
The trouble is I'm not above or beyond anything
So I know you must be good for me
As far as you can and as bad as I am
I know you must be good for me
I'm a terrible lover
I never love you the way I should
And every single reason's wrong
Oh my sister, my brothers
We've got history on our heels
And we're running like we broke the law
With friends like these tell me, who needs the police
(Chorus:)
We're making noise in the temple
But we're skimming off the top
And we don't want you to suffer
But you don't want to stop
Because you know that it's the only way
(Chorus)
The song "Trouble" by Caedmon's Call is a song full of introspection and honesty about oneself. The lyrics are about a person who admits that they have had trouble since the day that they were born. The trouble is what makes them who they are and is a part of them, similar to the blood running through their veins. Additionally, the lyrics suggest that this person is not only struggling with life but is struggling with the very clothes they wear, which can be interpreted to represent the masks they wear to hide who they truly are.
The chorus of the song is about making noise in the temple and skimming off the top but not wanting anyone to suffer. This can be interpreted in various ways; it could represent a rebellion against organized religion, greedy leaders in society or something else altogether. The important thing to note is that despite all the trouble, the singer acknowledges that they need the person they are singing to. Even though they are not the best lover and have a ton of problems that they are dealing with, they are not above getting help and being with someone good for them.
The line "With friends like these tell me, who needs the police" is a clever play on the famous saying, "With friends like these, who needs enemies." Instead of implying that their friends are enemies, the singer implies that they are just as difficult to deal with as the police, leading to some humor in the song.
In conclusion, the song takes a realistic and honest view of oneself that is not often seen in music. It acknowledges all the trouble and problems that the singer is dealing with but at the same time shows that they are aware of their shortcomings and that they need help.
Line by Line Meaning
You say I've got trouble
You point out that I have issues in my life
I've got trouble all over me
My problems are everywhere around me, affecting everything I do
I've got trouble since the day I was born
I've been dealing with challenges from the very beginning of my life
And it's not just a struggle
My issues are not just temporary hurdles, they are chronic and constant
It's the blood running through my veins
My problems are inherent to who I am, they are in my nature and cannot be easily changed
It's all the clothes I've ever worn
My issues have defined my life experiences, my choices, my identity
Cause when I'm with you I feel so overdressed
Being around you, I feel inadequate and exposed, like I'm not good enough
The trouble is I'm not above or beyond anything
I have no superiority or immunity from the problems of life, I am vulnerable and human
So I know you must be good for me
I trust that being with you will help me become better, improve my situation
As far as you can and as bad as I am
No matter how much you try to help me, I am still flawed and difficult to deal with
I know you must be good for me
Despite my shortcomings, I believe that you are beneficial to me in some way
I'm a terrible lover
I am not good at showing affection or caring for others in a way that they deserve
I never love you the way I should
My love is insufficient, it doesn't meet your expectations or needs
And every single reason's wrong
I have no valid or good reasons for my behavior, it's all flawed or misguided
Oh my sister, my brothers
Addressing my siblings, whom I am close to and share a history with
We've got history on our heels
We are carrying the weight of our shared past, which affects our present and future
And we're running like we broke the law
We are trying to escape or avoid the consequences of our actions, as if we did something wrong
With friends like these tell me, who needs the police
Our own behavior and choices are causing us problems and pain, we don't need external forces to discipline us
We're making noise in the temple
We are being disruptive and disrespectful in a place of worship, where we should be reverent and quiet
But we're skimming off the top
We are taking advantage of the situation for our own benefit, instead of being sincere and humble
And we don't want you to suffer
We don't intend to harm others, but we are ignorant or indifferent to their needs and feelings
But you don't want to stop
We are addicted or attached to the things that are causing us trouble, even though we know they are harmful
Because you know that it's the only way
We justify our behavior and choices by convincing ourselves that there's no other option, or that it's worth the risk
(Chorus)
Repeating the same refrain, the main message or theme of the song
(Chorus)
Repeating the same refrain, the main message or theme of the song
Lyrics © MUSIC SERVICES, INC.
Written by: DEREK W. WEBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Dark_tech47
This song has been in my head since I was a child. My dad loved Caedmons call. Now that he’s gone I listen to this song to remember him. I love you dad 😢
@torrepowers732
This song takes me back to my bible college years esp around 1998-1999 when a classmate of mine took her life. This song played softly at her memorial at our College. She was such a beautiful young woman and decided to leave us way too soon. RIP
@dawnreynolds7572
This song has played in my head many times when i was so low and I would wait “5 more minutes” for days.
@MrMadPenny3000
💜 same I think about it often
@metalisthendrix2724
I lost my beautiful boy recently,and he was my son. You did a great job on this song and video. I listened alot in highschool too. Really helps me cope with everything. Cheers and thanks.
@SarahJacksonLV
One of the songs I had lined up to sing at local funerals as a young adult and teen...yep, funeral singers do exist, lol. Some spirits need help letting go or finding the light...and those of us left need a way to release, let in the healing, and find closure...the right song by the right person there in the middle of their nightmare can make all the difference!
@chantaygerardo8156
One of my favorite albums from my middle teens.
@CatchTheFire
Ditto.
@michelmullaney3641
I’m saddened
@matthewboylan8601
If ya know ya know🥹 🙏