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An 80's British punk/Oi! band. Featured on Mystic Records' "The Sound of U.S. Colonies: Airstrip One" LP compilation.
Staring At The Sun
Offspring Lyrics
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Dodging bullets while you're trying to find your way
Everyone's around, but no one does a damn thing
It brings me down, but I won't let them
If I seem bleak
Well you'd be correct
And if I don't speak
But I won't be burned by the reflection
Of the fire in your eyes
As you're staring at the sun
When I ran I didn't feel like a runaway
When I escaped I didn't feel like I got away
There's more to living than only surviving
Maybe I'm not there, but I'm still trying
Though you hear me
I don't think that you relate
My will is something
That you can't confiscate
So forgive me, but I won't be frustrated
By destruction in your eyes
As you're staring at the sun
The lyrics of Offspring's song "Staring At The Sun" are symbols of a gritty world, a world where life is portrayed as a ride on a freeway where one's mission is to dodge bullets and find one's way while being encircled by a group of onlookers who won't do anything to help. The song also denotes a feeling of disconnect where the singer feels like everything around him brings him down, but he can't seem to disconnect from it. The chorus depicts the singer's clear disposition of not being burned by the intense reflection of the fire in the eyes of the people around him. The fire representing the different emotions that individuals carry, like anger, hatred, envy, and so on.
In the second verse, the singer speaks about running away and escaping but not feeling free. It signifies that sometimes in life, individuals attempt to escape a situation or a person, but it doesn't provide much relief. The song characterizes the notion that there is more to life than just surviving, and the singer still holds on to that hope. Although the singer is speaking, he still feels unheard and misinterpreted, which leaves him feeling lonely. However, he stands resolute and determined not to be frustrated by the destruction in other people's eyes, as they continue to stare at the sun.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe life is like a ride on a freeway
Life can be unpredictable, dangerous and challenging, like driving on a busy road.
Dodging bullets while you're trying to find your way
Trying to navigate life's challenges can feel like avoiding danger at every turn.
Everyone's around, but no one does a damn thing
Even though people may be present, they may not take action or offer help.
It brings me down, but I won't let them
Although feeling alone can be discouraging, the artist is determined not to let it defeat them.
If I seem bleak
The artist may appear gloomy or depressing to others.
Well you'd be correct
Their outward appearance is an accurate portrayal of their inner feelings.
And if I don't speak
The singer may not be vocalizing their thoughts or feelings.
It's cause I can't disconnect
They are unable to separate themselves from their negative emotions.
But I won't be burned by the reflection
Although others' feelings or actions may affect the artist, they won't let it consume or harm them.
Of the fire in your eyes
The intensity of someone's gaze or expression can be overwhelming for the artist.
As you're staring at the sun
The singer may feel blinded or hurt by someone's intense focus or scrutiny.
When I ran I didn't feel like a runaway
The artist may have left a situation or relationship, but didn't feel free or liberated.
When I escaped I didn't feel like I got away
Leaving a difficult circumstance didn't bring the singer the sense of relief they had hoped for.
There's more to living than only surviving
Merely getting by isn't enough; the singer desires more from life.
Maybe I'm not there, but I'm still trying
Even if the singer hasn't reached their goals or ideal life, they aren't giving up.
Though you hear me
Others may listen or acknowledge the artist's words.
I don't think that you relate
However, others may not understand or identify with their struggles.
My will is something
The singer's inner strength and determination is unbreakable.
That you can't confiscate
No one can take away their will or drive.
So forgive me, but I won't be frustrated
Although it may be difficult to deal with, the artist won't let others' negative emotions impact them.
By destruction in your eyes
Others' feelings can be powerful enough to feel like they are causing harm or destruction.
As you're staring at the sun
Another person's intense scrutiny or attention can feel like it's doing more harm than good.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs
Written by: BRYAN HOLLAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind