Orphans
Jack's Mannequin Lyrics


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I'm looking for a sign
My spirit's faded
She holds on like a vine
Patterns in traffic
They sound just like my heart racing the dark
In time to catch you
No one should let you
Go wandering off into the night
You're not an orphan.

I keep waiting for my breath
To come back never
So I've take what I have left
Patterns in traffic
The pulse just like my heart racing the dark
In time to catch you
No one should let you
Go wandering off into the night
You're not an orphan.

Right there to catch you
I won't forget you
But now you're wandering to the night
But you're no orphan.

[Repeat: x2]
You're not an orphan
I never thought the day would come
(You're not an orphan)
They tell me that you've finally run




(You're not, you're not, you're not an orphan)
I guess you always said you would someday

Overall Meaning

In "Orphans" by Jack's Mannequin, the lyrics reveal the singer's desire to find a sign or something to hold onto, as their spirits have faded. They feel a sense of urgency, as if time is racing against them, like the sound of their heart pounding in their chest. The singer entreats someone not to let them wander off into the night like an orphan, as they clearly value and need their connection to this person. The repetitive use of "patterns in traffic" emphasizes the chaos and confusion the singer is feeling, and how lost they are without a clear direction.


As the song progresses, the singer admits to feeling as if they are losing their breath, but they cling to what they have left, still wanting to catch the person they are reaching out to. The repetition of "you're not an orphan" brings this person back into focus, reinforcing the singer's need for their presence. The ending of the song is bittersweet, with the singer admitting that the person has finally run away, but also acknowledging that they had always said they would someday.


One interesting fact about "Orphans" is that it was the first single released from Jack's Mannequin's second album, "The Glass Passenger." Another interesting fact is that lead singer Andrew McMahon wrote the song while he was undergoing treatment for leukemia, which he had been diagnosed with in 2005. Additionally, the song was featured in the season 6 premiere of the TV show One Tree Hill, which helped to increase its popularity.


The chords for "Orphans" are as follows:


Verse:
G - D - Em - C
G - D - C


Chorus:
G - D - Em - C
G - D - C


Bridge:
Em - C - G - D
Em - C - G - D


Outro:
G - D - Em - C
G - D - C


Line by Line Meaning

I'm looking for a sign
I am searching for a signal or indication of what to do next.


My spirit's faded
I am feeling disheartened and dejected.


She holds on like a vine
She clings to me tightly like a plant clinging to a trellis.


Patterns in traffic
The repetitive movement and rhythm of cars passing by.


They sound just like my heart racing the dark
The sound of the cars seems to echo the beating of my heart, which is racing anxiously.


In time to catch you
I am moving quickly in order to catch up with someone or something.


No one should let you
It is not advisable for anyone to allow you to go wandering off aimlessly.


Go wandering off into the night
It is not safe or wise to roam around in the dark without a clear purpose or destination.


You're not an orphan
You are not alone in the world or without any support.


I keep waiting for my breath
I am anticipating being able to catch my breath or take a moment to rest.


To come back never
It seems like my breath may never calm down or return to its normal pace.


So I've take what I have left
I am making do with whatever strength or resources I have at my disposal.


The pulse just like my heart racing the dark
The throbbing of blood through my veins echoes the frantic pace of my heartbeat in the darkness.


Right there to catch you
I am standing close by in order to catch you if you stumble or fall.


I won't forget you
Even if we are separated or go our separate ways, I will always remember you and keep you in my thoughts.


But now you're wandering to the night
But now you seem to be wandering aimlessly into the darkness, which worries and concerns me.


I never thought the day would come
I never imagined that things would turn out this way.


They tell me that you've finally run
I have heard that you have left in a hurry, either to escape or to pursue something or someone else.


I guess you always said you would someday
Perhaps you always talked about running away or leaving, and now that day has finally arrived.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ANDREW ROSS MCMAHON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

BrucasLoveX

I love this band!

Nadia Elkadri

Brilliant song

mel zita

this song is soooo beautiful

Ignore My Cringey YouTube Comments

Why is my bed wet?

Oh cause I’m crying-