Outside The Lines
Cory Morrow Lyrics
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Like a picture from a baby's lullaby
The sparkle in her eyes, when she was young
Seems to glow, seems to glow in time
With the beating of he little heart next to mine
As time moved on, so did the rules within her life
Yeah... and the rules told her stay inside the lines
Chorus:
Outside the lines, outside the lines
Ain't nobody cryin' colorin' outside the lines
Outside the lines
Well, I complain too much to you for words to say
And you tell me that you love me anyway
I got my applause trying to figure out what I am now
And you tell me that doesn't matter anyhow
I won't be blind,
I'll find my inspiration in the night
Outside the lights, where everything's all right
In "Outside The Lines" by Cory Morrow, the lyrics symbolize breaking free from the constraints that society or life in general may place on a person. The song begins with the singer describing the beauty of being outside of the bright lights and distractions of the world. The metaphor of the baby's lullaby picture portrays innocence and freedom, qualities that are often lost as one grows older. The sparkling eyes of the baby indicate that this child is still untainted by the rules of society, and is still able to express themselves freely. The beating of the child's heart is juxtaposed with the singer's own heart, symbolizing that the singer too still has that spark of individuality inside.
However, as the song progresses, we see that the woman in the lyrics has been taught to live her life within certain rules, something that is common in society. The rules have taken away her free-spirited nature and the song suggests that it is a loss. But the chorus maintains that there is hope and encourages people to break free of these rules and live outside the lines. As the singer says, "Ain't nobody crying coloring outside the lines" indicating that it’s okay to not follow the norms and to be true to oneself.
Overall, the song encourages listeners to hold onto the parts of themselves that make them unique and to not be afraid to express themselves in ways that may not always be conventional.
Line by Line Meaning
Outside the lights, outside the starlight's burning bright
Not being influenced or confined by societal expectations or norms, represented by 'lights' and 'starlight's burning bright'
Like a picture from a baby's lullaby
A nostalgic memory or feeling of freedom and innocence, like a 'picture from a baby's lullaby'
The sparkle in her eyes, when she was young
The joy and vibrancy she had as a child, represented by the 'sparkle' in her eyes
Seems to glow, seems to glow in time
That childlike energy and spirit still resides in her, and is still 'glowing' and alive
With the beating of he little heart next to mine
Her youthful spirit is kept alive by her connection to her own heart, and a sense of emotional freedom
As time moved on, so did the rules within her life
As she got older, societal expectations and norms started influencing and limiting her choices and behavior
Yeah... and the rules told her stay inside the lines
Societal norms and rules expected her to conform to certain standards, and not go beyond defined limits
She's a woman now, and that child in her colors outside the lines
Although she has grown up and matured, the youthful energy and spirit within her still encourages her to challenge societal norms and be free
I got my applause trying to figure out what I am now
The artist has received validation and recognition for trying to define their identity and purpose in life
And you tell me that doesn't matter anyhow
Someone close to the artist reminds them that their identity and purpose in life shouldn't be confined or defined by external opinions or pressures
I won't be blind
The singer refuses to ignore the truth or who they really are
I won't play by the rules they've set in place
The artist is determined to challenge and break the societal norms and expectations that restrict their freedom and individuality
I'll color outside the lines and find my own way
The singer will take risks and make unconventional choices in order to discover their own path and sense of purpose
I'll be who I am, not who they want me to be
The singer values their own identity and individuality over conforming to the expectations and opinions of others
I won't be scared to follow my heart and dreams
The singer is determined to pursue their own passions and aspirations without fear or hesitation
I won't let fear or doubt hold me back, it seems
The artist refuses to let negative emotions or thoughts prevent them from taking risks and pursuing their goals
I'll paint my own picture, free and wild
The artist will create their own unique path and journey, unconstrained by societal norms or expectations
I won't be held down by their traditional style
The singer won't let conservative or traditional approaches control or limit their freedom and expression
I'll live my life the way I want, with no regrets
The singer is committed to living their life authentically and genuinely, without any remorse or guilt
I'll embrace the beauty and mess of it, with no frets
The artist will appreciate and accept both the ups and downs of life, without worrying or stressing about them
I won't let anyone dull my shine, or hold me down
The artist won't allow anyone to suppress their energy, spirit, or potential, and will fight to maintain their individuality and freedom
Contributed by Abigail Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.