Wish You Were Here
Elder Brother Lyrics


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Leave me something to find when you go
Draw a map or use a piece of string
It's getting dark and you're out of smokes
The things we used to hide behind everything

But I, I'm not wrong to wish you were stronger
I'm glad that you're gone but I think that I'm the goner
I pray for a good year, for that all to disappear
I'm glad that you're gone
But I wish you were here

I knew you once but then I didn't
We shared some clothes but then we didn't
And you asked me to dance but I said that I shouldn't
But you only asked because you knew that I wouldn't

I'm not wrong to wish you were stronger
I'm glad that you're gone but I think that I'm the goner
I pray for a good year, for that all to disappear




I'm glad that you're gone
But I wish you were here

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Elder Brother's song "Wish You Were Here" speak to the complicated emotions that can come with a broken relationship. The opening lines of the song express a sense of longing and the desire for the other person to leave a trace behind so that they can be found again later. This sense of longing is juxtaposed with the recognition that the relationship was not entirely healthy or positive, as noted in the line "The things we used to hide behind everything." The singer recognizes that they are better off with the other person gone, but at the same time, they still miss them and yearn for their presence.


The chorus of the song builds upon this conflicting sentiment. The singer admits that they are "not wrong to wish you were stronger," acknowledging that the other person may have been weak or perhaps not emotionally equipped to handle the relationship. However, they then express that they are "glad that you're gone but think that I'm the goner," suggesting that they have been hurt deeply by the relationship and may never fully recover. The final line of the chorus, "I'm glad that you're gone but I wish you were here," encapsulates the complex emotions at play throughout the entire song - a recognition of the negative aspects of the relationship, but also a persistent longing for the other person.


Overall, "Wish You Were Here" is a song that speaks to the difficulty of letting go of a broken relationship, even when it's the right thing to do. The lyrics capture the longing for the other person's presence, while also acknowledging the negative aspects of the relationship and the impact it has had on the singer.


Line by Line Meaning

Leave me something to find when you go
I want a tangible item or indication that reminds me of you when you leave.


Draw a map or use a piece of string
Provide details or a path to follow that leads me to you.


It's getting dark and you're out of smokes
You have exhausted your resources and I am worried about you.


The things we used to hide behind everything
We used to hide our true feelings and selves behind external factors.


But I, I'm not wrong to wish you were stronger
I still care for you and believe you can overcome your struggles.


I'm glad that you're gone but I think that I'm the goner
Your absence has helped me realize my own weakness and vulnerability.


I pray for a good year, for that all to disappear
I hope for a better future where our issues and pain can be resolved.


I knew you once but then I didn't
Our relationship changed, and I lost touch with who you are or were.


We shared some clothes but then we didn't
We used to have a close bond, but it has since faded.


And you asked me to dance but I said that I shouldn't
You made a gesture of affection or intimacy, but I rejected it.


But you only asked because you knew that I wouldn't
You have an understanding of who I am and my boundaries.


I'm glad that you're gone but I wish you were here
I am conflicted about our relationship and feel both relief and longing for you.




Contributed by Elena T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

thcyouinheck

I heard this song for the first time at the holiday show in Berkeley less than a month after my grams passed & it broke me down to pieces while pasted to the barricade. It reminds me so much of her & whenever I miss her, I listen to it.

Keanu Revert

F

Joshin Around

This band was wonderful. They deserved more love.

Jade Jones

I love this band so much ❤

omgtati

Awesome band! So glad I got to see you live at strummers!

X X

what an insane band!!!!

Ashtar Avatar

Great tune.

Mike Lord

Duck man, this band has me hoping this is the final tssf coming up. I'd like this to blow up

Stuart Rubio

I love the melody

luka gorgodze

now we need music videos for in my bones, pennsylvania, any sort of plan!!!!

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