Standing
Joss Whedon Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Giles:
You're not ready for the world outside
You keep pretending, but you just can't hide
I know I said that i'd be standing by your side
But I...
Your path's unbeaten, and it's all uphill
And you can meet it, but you never will
And i'm the reason that yo'ur standing still
But I...
I wish I could say the right words
To lead you through this land
Wish i could play the father
And take you by the hand
Wish I could stay
But now i understand
I'm standing in the way
The cries around you, you don't hear at all
'Cause you know I'm here o take that call
So you just lie there,
When you should be standing tall
But I...
I wish i could lay your arms down
And let you rest at last
Wish i could slay your demons
But now that time has passed
Wish i could stay
Your stalwart Standing Fast




But I'm standing in the way
I'm just standing in the way

Overall Meaning

In this song from the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Giles, the father-figure and mentor of the singer Buffy Summers, sings about how he often gets in the way of Buffy's growth and independence. He acknowledges that Buffy is not ready for the outside world and that her path is difficult, but he also accepts that his attempts to guide her sometimes prevent her from moving forward. Despite his best intentions, he recognizes that his protective instincts are hindering her ability to stand on her own, and he wishes he could say the right words or take her by the hand to guide her through the challenges she faces. However, he realizes that he cannot be the one to do this, and that he has to step back and let Buffy find her own way. In the end, Giles accepts that he is "standing in the way" of Buffy's growth and independence, but he does so out of love and concern for her well-being.


Line by Line Meaning

You're not ready for the world outside
You lack the skills and experience to navigate the outside world


You keep pretending, but you just can't hide
You try to deceive yourself but cannot ignore the truth


I know I said that i'd be standing by your side
I promised to support you, but I cannot keep that promise any longer


Your path's unbeaten, and it's all uphill
Your journey is uncharted and challenging


And you can meet it, but you never will
You possess the capability, but lack the drive to succeed


And i'm the reason that yo'ur standing still
My influence is holding you back from progress


I wish I could say the right words
I desire to offer you useful advice


To lead you through this land
To guide you through life's challenges


Wish i could play the father
Wish I could be a paternal guide to you


And take you by the hand
To hold your hand and lead you through difficulties


Wish I could stay
I desire to remain and provide support


But now i understand
But now I realize the need for you to move on without me


I'm standing in the way
My presence is obstructing your growth


The cries around you, you don't hear at all
You are oblivious to the pain of those who need to rely on you


'Cause you know I'm here o take that call
You assume I will handle everything, so you do not bother


So you just lie there,
You remain idle


When you should be standing tall
You should be facing your problems courageously


I wish i could lay your arms down
I wish I could ease your burden


And let you rest at last
And grant you peace and tranquility


Wish i could slay your demons
I desire to help you overcome your inner demons


But now that time has passed
But now, it is too late for me to help you


Your stalwart Standing Fast
Your strength and resilience in the face of difficulties


But I'm standing in the way
But my presence is a hindrance to your progress




Contributed by Mateo H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Mithrandir

F Joss. But you guys are great!

More Versions