Forgiven
Edie Brickell Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Way back when we were young
We're still the same here now under the sun
Basket full of Easter grass
A little boy runs across the path to find
Mercy in the hearts of souls
Who never had no mercy shown to them
Will you please forgive me
I want to be forgiven
A vacant engineer rides on a train
Of thought that will now take him home
And waving from the windows is the innocence
That has no place to go
A boomerang of birds flies high
Over your head and I look to the sky
Will you please forgive me
I want to be forgiven
Given another chance to show you I love
Another chance to show you I feel
Another chance to show you I love
Another chance to show you I feel
Here I am like I always was
Here I am like I'll always be
Here I am like I always was




Here I am like I'll always be
Forgiven

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Edie Brickell's song Forgiven speak about the universal desire to be forgiven, and how we are all capable of showing mercy to others despite being denied mercy ourselves. The song begins with a nostalgic recollection of youth, with memories of Easter baskets filled with grass and a little boy running across the path. The innocence of childhood is contrasted with the reality of the world, where people are often unkind to one another.


The second verse describes a train of thought that takes an engineer home, with innocence waving from the windows. This scene represents the desire to return to a more innocent and forgiving state of being. The image of a boomerang of birds flying high in the sky symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, with forgiveness and kindness being perpetuated through our actions.


The chorus is a plea for forgiveness, with the repetition of the phrase "Will you please forgive me?" representing the desperation and sincerity of the singer's request. The final verse affirms the singer's constant nature, and the deep need to be forgiven that is a universal trait. The song ultimately ends on the word "forgiven", suggesting that forgiveness has been granted.


Overall, the lyrics of Forgiven are about the power of forgiveness to restore relationships and heal wounds, as well as the innate desire to be forgiven by others. The song invites the listener to reflect on their own experiences of forgiveness, and to consider the transformative effects of showing mercy to oneself and others.


Line by Line Meaning

Way back when we were young
In our youth, we had a different perspective on life


We're still the same here now under the sun
Despite the passage of time, our fundamental nature has not changed


Basket full of Easter grass
An image of childhood innocence and simplicity


A little boy runs across the path to find
A child's carefree expression of joy and wonder


Mercy in the hearts of souls
An appeal to the inner goodness in people


Who never had no mercy shown to them
Emphasizing the importance of empathy and compassion for those who have suffered themselves


Will you please forgive me
Asking for forgiveness from someone


I want to be forgiven
Expressing a deep desire for absolution


A vacant engineer rides on a train
The alienation and loneliness of modern life


Of thought that will now take him home
Finding comfort in one's own mind


And waving from the windows is the innocence
A sense of nostalgia for simpler times


That has no place to go
A melancholy acknowledgement that innocence is lost forever


A boomerang of birds flies high
The beauty and resilience of nature


Over your head and I look to the sky
Reflecting on the majesty of the world around us


Given another chance to show you I love
Asking for an opportunity to demonstrate affection


Another chance to show you I feel
Asking for a second chance to express emotions


Here I am like I always was
Affirming one's unchanging identity


Here I am like I'll always be
Embracing one's essential nature


Forgiven
A hopeful message that forgiveness is possible and healing can occur




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BOB MARLETTE, DEE CARSTENSEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Steely Dan

This band can flat out jam!!!! Edie is great, but this band never got the credit they deserved, and is the most underrated and unappreciated band of all time.

Yohanes Kuswahyudi

I have listened to this song since 1991 and it always cheers me up. Edie is one of the best.

Ed Vig

Way back when we were young
We're still the same here now under the sun
Basket full of Easter grass
A little boy runs long across the path
Mercy in the hearts of souls
Who never had no mercy shown to them
Will you please forgive me
I want to be forgiven
A vacant engineer rides on a train
Of thought that will now take him home
A waving from the windows is the innocence that has no place to go
A boomerang of birds flies high
Over your head and I look to the sky
Will you please forgive me
I want to be forgiven
Given another chance to show you I love
Another chance to show you I feel
Another chance to show you I love
Another chance to show you I feel
Here I am like I always was
Here I am like I'll always be
Here I am like I always was
Here I am like I'll always be
Forgiven

Terry Holt

One of my favorite New Bohemian tracks. Oh wait, they all are. This track does show they can rock anytime they choose.

Victor Dez

The way it evokes memories...

thecirclekkid

Thanks for the upload!! Great song.

Shame & ReGrats

Who's here in 2021 to remind everyone that Switchfoot outright stole the vocal melody in Edie's verses for their song "Meant to Live?" Facts.

Rhonda Daum

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