All We Are
OneRepublic Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I tried to paint you a picture
The colors were all wrong
Black and white didn't fit you
And all along
You were shaded with patience
Your strokes of everything
That I need just to make it
But I can see, yeah

Lord knows I failed you time and again
But you and me are alright

We won't say our goodbyes
You know it's better that way
We won't break, we won't die
It's just a moment of change
All we are, all we are
Is everything that's right
All we need, all we need
A lover's alibi, yeah

I walked a minute in your shoes
They never would've fit
I figured there's nothing to lose
I need to get
Some perspective on these words
Before I write them down
You're an island and my ship
Has run aground

Oh, Lord knows I failed you time and again
But you and me are alright, yeah

We won't say our goodbyes
You know it's better that way
We won't break, we won't die
It's just a moment of change
All we are, all we are
Is everything that's right
All we need, all we need
A lover's alibi, oh

Every single day that I can breathe
You changed my philosophy
I'm never gonna let you pass me by

So don't say your goodbyes
You know it's better that way
We wont break, we won't die
It's just a moment of change, yeah, ooh, ooh

So don't say your goodbyes
You know it's better that way
We won't break, we won't die
It's just a moment of change
All we are, all we are
Is everything that's right
All we need, all we need
A lover's alibi, yeah, ooh, ooh

So don't say our goodbyes




You know it's better
We won't break, we won't die, ooh, ooh, ah

Overall Meaning

The song “All We Are” by OneRepublic is about a relationship that has faced its fair share of struggles, but the couple has managed to stay together despite everything that has happened. The lyrics reflect on the fact that the singer has not always been the best partner and has failed the other person several times, but through it all, they still find solace in each other. The opening lines of the song, “I tried to paint you a picture, the colors were all wrong, black and white didn't fit you” suggest that the singer has had trouble understanding the other person in the relationship and has struggled to capture their essence artistically. However, the following lines, “But all along, you were shaded with patience, your strokes of everything that I need just to make it” imply that the other person has been the backbone of the relationship and has been patient with the singer despite their shortcomings.


The lyrics go on to say, “We won't say our goodbyes, you know it's better that way, we won't break, we won't die, it's just a moment of change” indicating that the couple has managed to come to terms with the fact that things are not always going to be perfect, but they are willing to adapt and grow together. They are willing to ride out the rough patches because being with each other is worth it. The line, “Every single day that I can breathe, you changed my philosophy” suggests that the other person has had a profound impact on the singer’s life and has helped them see things in a different light.


Overall, “All We Are” is a song about the ups and downs of a relationship and the importance of staying committed to each other through thick and thin. The song encourages couples to keep moving forward, embracing change, and making the most of every moment that they have together.


Line by Line Meaning

I tried to paint you a picture
I attempted to illustrate you in a work of art


The colors were all wrong
The hues were inappropriate for your nature


Black and white didn't fit you
Monochrome wasn't a suitable depiction of you


And all along
Despite it all


You were shaded with patience
You possessed a calm and deliberate demeanor


Your strokes of everything
Your every action was significant


That I need just to make it
That I require to survive


But I can see, yeah
But I now understand


Lord knows I failed you time and again
I've let you down numerous times


But you and me are alright
Nevertheless, we're still in a good place


We won't say our goodbyes
We won't bid farewell


You know it's better that way
It's in our best interest to stay together


We won't break, we won't die
We'll persist, we'll survive


It's just a moment of change
It's a brief period of transformation


All we are, all we are
We are only human


Is everything that's right
We possess all that's good


All we need, all we need
All we require


A lover's alibi, yeah
Is a significant other's excuse


I walked a minute in your shoes
I put myself in your position


They never would've fit
But I could never really understand your experience


I figured there's nothing to lose
So I decided to try anyway


I need to get
I must gain


Some perspective on these words
A fresh viewpoint on what I'm saying


Before I write them down
Before I record them


You're an island and my ship
You're solitary while I'm dependent


Has run aground
I'm in trouble while you're stable


Every single day that I can breathe
Every day that I'm alive


You changed my philosophy
You altered my point of view


I'm never gonna let you pass me by
I won't let you leave me behind


So don't say your goodbyes
Therefore, let's not split up


You know it's better that way
It's for the best


We wont break, we won't die
We won't shatter or perish


It's just a moment of change, yeah, ooh, ooh
It's a brief phase of transition


So don't say our goodbyes
Let's remain together


You know it's better
It's preferred


We won't break, we won't die, ooh, ooh, ah
We won't lose our composure or vitality




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RYAN TEDDER, TIM MYERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Wolfsong


on Rich Love

i played this to my x and he cryed

Geneya Campbell


on Counting Stars

love this song..

More Versions