"The Neurotic Boy Outsiders", as they were initially known, began life as a group of friends jamming at the famous Viper Room simply for the fun of it, before recording "Neurotic Outsiders" for Madonna's Maverick label in 1996. They briefly toured across Europe and North America, before disbanding later in the year. They've reunited for a few shows in 1999 at the Viper Room, but no plans of continuing the band have been made. All members, aside from Taylor, have made appearances with Camp Freddy in recent years.
Story of My LIfe
Neurotic Outsiders Lyrics
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I entered a race that I can't start
They told me if I move that I'd go too far
But I think I''ll stay in my shangri-la
That's the story of my life (yeah)
Another day goes drifting by (away)
Now I can't live, but I won't die (no)
Oh I just barely stay afloat
I'm too scared to rock the boat
But when I wake is when I feel (I feel)
I think of myself, it makes me ill
That's the story of my life (yeah)
Another junkie in the sky (oh yeah)
I can't live, but I won't die (no)
That's the story of my life
Bury myself in the desert sands
Cause I don't care for the world's demands
But at the end of the day I think I'll be alright (alright)
Hope I can make it through another long, lonely night
That's the story of my life (yeah)
Another day goes drifting by (no)
I can't live, but I won't die (oh no)
That''s the story of my life
The neurotic narrator of the song, "Story of My Life," tells a tale of aimless drifting, fear of branching out and experimentation, and hope for eventual stability. The first line of the chorus states, "That's the story of my life, another day goes drifting by," reflecting the monotonous routine, the feeling of being stuck in the same place, and the lack of fulfillment the singer experiences. The singer is bored and can't find joy or excitement in anything, leading them to feel as though they are trapped in a race that they can't begin.
The next stanza highlights the singer's fear, as they admit to being too scared to "rock the boat," leading them to "barely stay afloat." The "boat" here could be a metaphor for taking risks or stepping out of one's comfort zone. When the singer wakes, they face their thoughts and feel ill, suggesting that they are uncomfortable with their own self-reflection, perhaps indicating some self-doubt or insecurity.
The final few lines illustrate a fleeting sense of hope in escaping the mundanity of life. The singer expresses a desire to escape society's demands, bury themselves in a metaphorical desert, and ultimately find respite in their own shangri-la (a metaphorical paradise). The singer is desperate for a change and a chance to live life on their terms.
Line by Line Meaning
Boredom's tearing me apart
I am so bored that it is making me feel like I am getting torn apart.
I entered a race that I can't start
I have taken on a task that is too difficult for me to begin.
They told me if I move that I'd go too far
Others have warned me about taking risks because it could lead to disastrous consequences.
But I think I''ll stay in my shangri-la
Despite the warnings, I prefer to stay in my own personal paradise.
That's the story of my life (yeah)
This is a recurring pattern in my life.
Another day goes drifting by (away)
Another day passes by without any real meaning or purpose.
Now I can't live, but I won't die (no)
I feel like I am existing but not really living or making progress.
Oh I just barely stay afloat
I am struggling to keep myself going.
I'm too scared to rock the boat
I am afraid to make any changes or take any chances that could upset my current situation.
But when I wake is when I feel (I feel)
I only feel something when I am awake and present in the moment.
I think of myself, it makes me ill
When I reflect on myself and my life, it fills me with negative emotions.
Another junkie in the sky (oh yeah)
I feel like I am just another lost and forgotten person in the world.
Bury myself in the desert sands
I want to isolate myself from the demands and expectations of society.
Cause I don't care for the world's demands
I am not interested in conforming to what society expects of me.
But at the end of the day I think I'll be alright (alright)
Despite my struggles, I believe that I will be okay in the end.
Hope I can make it through another long, lonely night
I am hoping that I can get through another difficult and lonely period.
I can't live, but I won't die (oh no)
I am stuck in a state of limbo, not really living but not dying either.
That''s the story of my life
This is just the ongoing narrative of my existence.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Steve Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind