Chalk FarM's 4 original mem… Read Full Bio ↴This critically acclaimed band is back!
Chalk FarM's 4 original members are back together, playing regularly in the Los Angeles area, and are recording a new collection of songs for release in 2011.
Chalk FarM was an alternative rock group from LA, formed in the early 90's by Michael Duff and Orlando Sims. In 1995, they added Toby Scarbrough and Trace Ritter and were signed by Columbia Records. In 1996 their first album, Notwithstanding, was released. Despite radio and MTV exposure for the song "Lie on Lie" and a positive critical reception, the band and label didn't see eye to eye and Chalk FarM left Columbia Records. Duff created the independent label TIC (The Inner Circle) Records and the group recorded their second album, Three 2's, promoting it mainly via the Internet. Chalk FarM broke up in early 2000.
I don't know why
Chalk Farm Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The way the darkness falls alone
There's a pounding in my eardrums
Everything seems like excuses and I wonder
Why you can't be here beside me
And I don't know why
No I don't know why
The paper tears as easily
As my skin against the rocks
As I look out at the ocean
Of debris I wonder where do we go
And I take the pages and I burn them
And I don't know why
No I don't know why we belong
Here I go, here I am - walk across my window pane
Here I go - here I am - across my window pane.
As I look out at the ocean
I see faces and the words out from me
And I thank my stars that I have seen them
And I don't know why
And I don't know why
No I don't know why
No I don't know why we belong
Here I go, here I am - walk across my window pane
Here I go, here I am.
It's Sunday morning I'm walking with my Lover. I say, here I go, here I am - walk across my window pane
Here I go - here I am.
The opening verse of “I Don’t Know Why” by Chalk Farm portrays a sense of emptiness and darkness. The singer feels alone with pounding thoughts in their head. They question why their desired company isn’t beside them. The following lines continue the theme of brokenness as they compare the ease of tearing paper to the wound of flesh against rock. The imagery of debris in the ocean represents the chaos and confusion in the singer’s mind. The verses are reflective in nature, allowing the singer to think about what is happening and process it before getting to the repeated chorus.
The chorus of the song repeats the idea of not knowing why the singer and someone else don’t belong together. The words are simple but powerful, both in their repetition and in the way they express how the singer is feeling. The last verse is a little different from the others, as it starts with the same imagery of looking out at the ocean but instead sees faces in the water. Then, the singer expresses thankfulness for what they've been able to witness. The tone of the final verse is more uplifting than the previous ones, indicating that the singer has found some resolution to their problems.
Line by Line Meaning
I feel empty here inside
I am experiencing a sense of hollowness within me
The way the darkness falls alone
I sense stark loneliness as the night descends
There's a pounding in my eardrums
I am feeling a thumping sensation in my ears
Everything seems like excuses and I wonder
I perceive everything to be alibis, making me ponder
Why you can't be here beside me
Why are you not coexisting with me?
And I don't know why
I have no explanation for this
No I don't know why
Absolutely no idea why
We belong
We are meant to be together
The paper tears as easily
The paper gets ripped apart as quickly
As my skin against the rocks
Like my skin scraped against the pebbles
As I look out at the ocean
While gazing at the vast sea
Of debris I wonder where do we go
Amidst the pile of scattered remains, I contemplate our destination
And I take the pages and I burn them
Then, I grab hold of the sheets and set them ablaze
Here I go, here I am - walk across my window pane
It's me crossing over the glass on my window
As I look out at the ocean
Again, looking out at the massive sea
I see faces and the words out from me
I recognize faces and words flowing out from me
And I thank my stars that I have seen them
I thank my shining stars for enabling me to witness them
No I don't know why we belong
I have no explanation for our compatibility
Here I go, here I am - walk across my window pane
Once again crossing over the glass on my window
It's Sunday morning I'm walking with my Lover.
Striding along with my beloved on a Sunday morning
Here I go - here I am - across my window pane.
Yet again, venturing across the glass of my window
Contributed by Juliana T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Michael Harrell
One of most underrated songs and bands of the 90's!
Tony Anderson
They played a small club in Kansas City shortly after NotWithStanding came out and Lie on Lie was making the rounds on the radio... It snowed like blizzard crazy that night and I was one of only 10 or so people who made it to the show. Despite the small crowd, they played their hearts out. Was like having a personal concert by a great band. By far one of the best shows I have seen and one of the greatest concert memories I have. Thanks guys, you are awesome!
dj ko
most underrated song of all time, a true masterpiece, thank you
Kids
One of the most under-rated bands of all time. Great album.
Jody Steck
This right here is truth in music. Music like this truth is never made anymore. You cannot force appreciation.
LowKoLissa
Loved both CDs. I can't believe you guys didn't get HUGE. Please, don't ever give up on your music. I introduced my boyfriend to you guys when we started seeing each other. He's my husband now and we're coming up on 10 years. Your music has been a part of "us" since day 1 and it's so great to see that ya'll are still looking to do more. Please keep it coming. :)
pretendamnesia
And some bands only want to put a very powerful message out there in a subtle way- and they'll be happy with one album and then retreat because theyve already said what they had to. We're always being fed topical temporary cures and you cant depend on lie from lie. Really powerful stuff.
Justin Grey
Thanks for recommending them to me.
They remind me of a few bands of the era, decent vocals.
Girl, Disappearing
This just triggered so many memories.... Such a great song!
Russell Howry
Was so excited to be going thru some boxes this week and found my cd of this album again. Not sure how it got in there but playing the crap out of it now in the car.