Graham Colton (born Graham Patrick Colton on November 6, 1981) is an Americ… Read Full Bio ↴Graham Colton (born Graham Patrick Colton on November 6, 1981) is an American singer-songwriter from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is most widely known for his hit song "Best Days", featured on the television series American Idol and Kyle XY (finale of season 2).

Colton graduated Heritage Hall School in OKC. After leaving his hometown of Oklahoma City to attend Southern Methodist University, Colton began writing and performing songs in and around the Dallas pubs and coffee houses: “I would return to my college dorm room and have e-mails from kids across the country asking where to buy the album,” says Colton. Quickly Colton began recording songs on a shoestring budget for his ever-growing local fan-base and distant admirers. The self-titled demo became a local favorite and began making waves outside the Texas music scene. It wasn’t long before the CD fell into the hands of Adam Duritz (Counting Crows) who quickly asked Graham to support them on their 2002 fall tour. It would prove to be a friendship that would evolve over the next two years of touring and recording. The month long tour put Colton and his newly formed band in front of sold out audiences and fans they didn’t know they had. After the fall stint with Counting Crows and a signed record deal with Strummer Recordings/ Universal, dates with John Mayer, Maroon 5, Train, Dave Matthews, Guster, and Kelly Clarkson followed proving the band had the ability to connect with all types of listeners.

Waking Up
Graham Colton Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I am waking up for the first time
My mind is made up
I open my eyes
I can't shake it off
What you said last night
I have slept enough
Now I'm going outside
I can run every step counts these days

Everyone asking for my parking space
Please someone tell me how to get the day back

I'm waking up
I have barely opened my eyes
I'm waking up
I have barely opened my eyes (repeat)

Standing on my own by the street light
She has come and gone with stains in her eyes
I can't shake it off
What you said last night
I have slept enough now
I'm going outside
I can run every step counts these days
Everyone asking for my parking space
Please someone tell me how to get the day back

I'm waking up
I have barely opened my eyes

I'm waking up
I have barely opened my eyes (repeat)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Graham Colton's song "Waking Up" depict the story of someone who has woken up after a rough night of heartbreak and is trying to navigate through the pain. The opening line, "I am waking up for the first time," suggests that the person has been in a state of confusion, possibly due to the events of the previous night. However, they are now more determined to face the reality, as stated in the next line, "My mind is made up."

The chorus, "I'm waking up, I have barely opened my eyes," repeats twice and highlights the person's struggle even after waking up. They are only starting to process the pain and trauma they went through, thus the emphasis on "barely" opening their eyes. The second verse mentions "Standing on my own by the street light" which suggests that the person left the house and went outside to try and distract themselves from the pain.

However, the pain remains as they "can't shake it off" and memories of the previous night haunt them. The line "Everyone asking for my parking space" could be a metaphor for how everyone in the person's life wants something from them, but they are unable to give because they are emotionally drained. The song concludes with the plea, "Please someone tell me how to get the day back." This request is an acknowledgment that something has been lost, and the person is asking for help to regain it.

Overall, the song is a heartbreaking account of trying to move past the pain of heartbreak and the road to recovery. The lyrics are a reminder that healing takes time and patience, and there are moments where even getting out of bed can be a struggle.

Line by Line Meaning

I am waking up for the first time
I am finally understanding something that I previously didn't; I am gaining a new perspective.

My mind is made up
I am firm in my decision or opinion and won't be swayed easily.

I open my eyes
I become aware of what's happening around me; I am alert.

I can't shake it off
I can't forget or ignore something that's bothering me; it's impossible to let it go.

What you said last night
The words that were spoken to me yesterday are still on my mind and affect me today.

I have slept enough
I have had enough rest and am ready to face the day.

Now I'm going outside
I am leaving a familiar place or situation to explore something new and different.

I can run every step counts these days
I am aware that every action I take is important; I shouldn't waste my time and energy on things that won't matter in the long run.

Everyone asking for my parking space
People are competing with me for the limited resources available; everyone is trying to get ahead.

Please someone tell me how to get the day back
I wish I could undo what has already been done or experienced today; I want a fresh start.

Standing on my own by the street light
I am alone, isolated, and feeling vulnerable; I am waiting for something or someone to come to me.

She has come and gone with stains in her eyes
Someone I care about has left, possibly with emotional baggage or unresolved issues.

I'm waking up
I am becoming aware and conscious of something that has been hidden or ignored.

I have barely opened my eyes
I am only just beginning to understand this new perspective or idea; I have a lot to learn.

Contributed by Dominic G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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