Yorn started as a drummer who also played guitar. In 1990, he was drumming for his band in a high school talent contest when someone suggested he sing the Replacements song "Talent Show." That went over so well, a competing band asked him to sing Neil Young’s "Rockin' In the Free World" with them.
He was first recognized when the Farrelly brothers picked "Strange Condition" for their film Me, Myself & Irene.
He has gained increasing popularity following the use of his song "Just Another" on popular WB television show Dawson's Creek.
Another of his songs, Murray was used in the credits of the film Igby Goes Down
The song "Undercover" was used in the first Spiderman movie and appears on the soundtrack.
The song "Lose You" was used in the closing of an episode of House on Fox.
Alive
Pete Yorn Lyrics
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Never the same, it'll change you tomorrow
The sadness
Doesn't matter when it's gone
Girl in a red dress passes you by
A hurried deception gleam to her eye
Like the weather will not hurt her when she's wrong
You say you feel all broke and discarded
What's on your mind, baby?
You know you'll get along well once you've started, over again
This day is alive
This day is alive
This day is alive
Take another chance if a turn for disaster is the best thing for you
Oh the difference
Is the lies I told are true
Don't tell your father the thoughts
You've been thinking, they'll burn him too long
After all
It's the dream that holds up the sun
You say you want something that's real
Well give it some time, baby
You're all wrapped in the words you're repeating over again
This day is alive
This day is alive
This day is alive
So now you tell me what you're gonna do to me!
You got a lot on your mind, baby
You got so much that will get through to me
You say you wanna stand up for something alright
What's on your mind, baby
Oh you could stand here for nothing
Or start it again, start it again
This day is alive
This moment will pass you.. by
This day is ours, don't let it die
Don't let it die.
"Alive" by Pete Yorn is a song that seems to reflect on the ups and downs of life. The lyrics suggest that sometimes life is painful and sometimes it feels empty, but in any case, it can change you dramatically. The sadness that one experiences may not matter once it's gone. The song begins with an observation of a girl in a red dress passing by with a deceptive gleam in her eyes. This is symbolic of how people tend to hide their struggles and put on a brave face in public. You never know what a person is going through just by looking at them.
The chorus of the song delivers the message that this day is alive and should not be wasted. It's a call to action to take another chance, even if there's a risk of failure. The difference between success and failure is that the lies we tell ourselves come true. The song suggests that one should not hold back their thoughts because they may be helpful to others. Even if others don't explicitly state their struggles, they may be going through the same thing. The song encourages standing up for something instead of standing for nothing but acknowledges that it may take time to figure out what that is.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes it's pain, sometimes it's hollow
Life can be unpredictable, it comes with its ups and downs.
Never the same, it'll change you tomorrow
Life's circumstances are uncertain, just as tomorrow can be.
The sadness
Sadness can take over our emotions.
Doesn't matter when it's gone
Sadness is not permanent, it goes away.
Girl in a red dress passes you by
An attractive woman walks past.
A hurried deception gleam to her eye
She's in a hurry, but there is a dishonesty in her expression.
Like the weather will not hurt her when she's wrong
She seems invincible and unaffected by the consequences of her actions.
You say you feel all broke and discarded
Feeling hopeless, rejected and unwanted.
What's on your mind, baby?
Asking the reasons behind such feelings.
You know you'll get along well once you've started, over again
Assuring that life goes on, and you can always start afresh.
This day is alive
The present moment is vibrant and should be appreciated.
Take another chance if a turn for disaster is the best thing for you
Sometimes taking risks, even if it leads to failure, is necessary for growth.
Oh the difference
It's important to distinguish what's true and what's false.
Is the lies I told are true
The singer deceived someone by telling the truth.
Don't tell your father the thoughts
Keeping secrets and not sharing personal thoughts with family.
You've been thinking, they'll burn him too long
The thoughts can cause emotional pain if not shared.
After all
In the end.
It's the dream that holds up the sun
Holding onto our dreams is what motivates us to keep going.
You say you want something that's real
Desiring authenticity and truth.
Well give it some time, baby
Getting to reality requires giving it some time.
You're all wrapped in the words you're repeating over again
Being trapped in self-imposed limitations and negative self-talk.
So now you tell me what you're gonna do to me!
Demanding an explanation and communication from someone.
You got a lot on your mind, baby
Recognizing that someone has a heavy emotional burden to bear.
You got so much that will get through to me
The person has the ability to share their feelings and get through to the listener.
Without telling me lies..
Urging transparency and honesty.
You say you wanna stand up for something alright
Wanting to take a stand for one's beliefs.
Oh you could stand here for nothing
Refusing to take any action, leading to no change.
Or start it again, start it again
Encouraging to make another attempt and try again.
This moment will pass you.. by
The present moment is fleeting and should be cherished.
This day is ours, don't let it die
Taking ownership of our time and making the most of it.
Don't let it die.
Urging to make the most of our time and not waste it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID FRANCIS BAERWALD, PETER YORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind