I Was There
Green Day [39/Smooth] Lyrics
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And the places that I've been
Pictures, faces, girls I've loved
I try to remember when
Faded memories on the wall
Some names I have forgotten
But each one is a memory I
Look back on so often
[Chorus x2]
I look into the past
I want to make it last
I was there
Looking back what I have done
There's lots more life to live
At times I feel overwhelmed
I question what I can give
But I don't let it get me down
Or cause me too much sorrow
There's no doubt about who I am
I always have tomorrow
[Chorus x2]
Looking back upon my life
Faded memories on the wall
Looking now at who I am
I don't let it get me down
Looking back upon my life
And the places that I've been
Pictures, faces, girls I've loved
I try to remember when
But I don't let it get me down
Or cause me too much sorrow
There's no doubt about who I am
I always have tomorrow
[Chorus x2]
In this song, Green Day (composed of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Al Sobrante at the time) reflects on memories from their past. The lyrics describe how they look back upon their life and remember the people, places, and experiences that have shaped them into who they are today. The band talks about feeling overwhelmed by what's to come but also reassures themselves that they always have tomorrow. It's a nostalgic and introspective song that touches on themes of growth and acceptance.
The first verse of the song talks about looking back on the "faded memories" of life, indicating that some of the memories have begun to blur, but they're still important. The chorus repeats "I was there" which emphasizes that the memories are significant because they represent a part of who they were in the past, which has led to who they are now. The second verse reflects on feeling overwhelmed about life, but ultimately not letting that get in the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking back upon my life
Reflecting on past experiences and moments in my life
And the places that I've been
Recalling the physical locations that I've visited in my life
Pictures, faces, girls I've loved
Memories of people and experiences that have been significant in my life
I try to remember when
I make an effort to recall and revisit these memories
Faded memories on the wall
Memories that have become blurry and indistinct over time
Some names I have forgotten
Some people that were once important in my life, but whose names and identities I can no longer remember
But each one is a memory I
Each memory serves as a reminder of experiences and moments that have shaped who I am
Look back on so often
I frequently revisit and reflect on these memories
[Chorus x2]
Recurring refrain of the song, emphasizing the theme of looking back on the past
Looking back what I have done
Reflecting on past actions and choices
There's lots more life to live
Acknowledging that there are still many experiences and moments to come in the future
At times I feel overwhelmed
Admitting that sometimes I feel burdened and stressed by the weight of my past and the uncertainties of the future
I question what I can give
I wonder what I can contribute to the world and those around me
But I don't let it get me down
Despite these uncertainties and doubts, I remain optimistic and positive
Or cause me too much sorrow
I try not to dwell on the negative aspects of my past or future
There's no doubt about who I am
I am confident and secure in my identity
I always have tomorrow
I have hope and faith in the future
[Chorus x2]
Recurring refrain, emphasizing the importance of looking back on the past and embracing the future
Looking back upon my life
Reiterating the theme of reflecting on past experiences
Faded memories on the wall
Repeating the image of blurry and indistinct memories
Looking now at who I am
Acknowledging how past experiences have contributed to who I am in the present
I don't let it get me down
Emphasizing my resilience and optimism in the face of difficulties and uncertainties
But I don't let it get me down
Repeating the message of staying positive and focused on the future
Or cause me too much sorrow
Reiterating the importance of avoiding excessive negativity and sadness
There's no doubt about who I am
Reaffirming my confidence in my identity
I always have tomorrow
Repeating the message of hope and faith in the future
[Chorus x2]
Final refrain, underscoring the importance of looking back on the past while embracing the future
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG, FRANK E., III WRIGHT, FRANK EDWIN WRIGHT III, JOHN KIFFMEYER, TRE COOL
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