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.
Also Roses
Pete Yorn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Making it hard on you
(Don't know why)
(Don't know why)
Stealing your good ideas
Stringing along, the dogs are barking outside
(Don't know why)
(Don't know why)Can't stand still anymore
Came on so strong and it took me over
Scared to feel anymore
Cut my leg while trying to smell the roses
Ever since I killed nostalgia
Finally I can live without ya
And I do
(Don't know why)
(Don't know why)
What would make you wanna stop
Everyone is so invisible to you
(Don't know why)
(Don't know why)
Can't stand still anymore
Came on so strong and it took me over
Scared to feel anymore
Cut my leg while trying to smell the roses
But not like before
Not like before
Not like before
Not like before
Not like before
Not like before
Not like before
Not like before
Scared to feel anymoreCut my leg while trying to smell the roses
Can't break free anymore
From the life it seems that we have chosen
The lyrics of Pete Yorn's song "Roses" convey a sense of frustration and confusion in a relationship. The singer acknowledges that their actions and desires are making it difficult for their partner, yet they don't understand why. They admit to stealing their partner's good ideas and being indecisive, which may be causing tension. The line "Stringing along, the dogs are barking outside" could symbolize a chaotic and restless atmosphere surrounding their relationship.
The singer then reflects on their own inability to stand still and their intense feelings that have overwhelmed them. They express fear of feeling anything more and metaphorically describe their attempt at enjoying life as cutting their leg while trying to smell the roses. This suggests that they are struggling to find a balance between their desires and the consequences that come with them.
The second half of the song reveals a change in the singer's perspective. They claim to have let go of nostalgia and no longer needing their partner in their life. This newfound liberation is contrasted with their previous actions and feelings. The lyrics imply that their partner may be distant and detached from everyone, making it even harder for the singer to understand their motivations. The choice of words like "invisible" and "scared to feel anymore" further convey the sense of emotional disconnection.
In the final lines, the singer expresses a feeling of being trapped in the life they have chosen. This could suggest that the relationship has become stagnant or lacking in fulfillment. The song ends on a somewhat unresolved note, leaving the listener to ponder the complexities and challenges within the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything I want to do
I have so many desires and aspirations
Making it hard on you
Causing difficulties and complications for you
(Don't know why)
I don't understand the reason behind it
Stealing your good ideas
Taking credit for your creative thoughts
Stringing along, the dogs are barking outside
Playing with your emotions while chaos surrounds us
Can't stand still anymore
I can't remain stagnant
Came on so strong and it took me over
I acted excessively, letting myself be consumed
Scared to feel anymore
Fearful of experiencing emotions
Cut my leg while trying to smell the roses
Hurt myself in the pursuit of simple pleasures and happiness
Ever since I killed nostalgia
Since I let go of sentimentality and longing for the past
Finally I can live without ya
I am able to exist and thrive without you
And I do
And I truly do so
What would make you wanna stop
What could possibly make you desire to cease
Everyone is so invisible to you
You fail to acknowledge the presence and importance of others
Can't stand still anymore
I cannot remain static any longer
Came on so strong and it took me over
I came on with intense force, losing control
Scared to feel anymore
Afraid of experiencing further emotions
Cut my leg while trying to smell the roses
Injured myself in the pursuit of finding joy and contentment
But not like before
In a different manner than in the past
Scared to feel anymore
Terrified to encounter emotions again
Cut my leg while trying to smell the roses
Received a wound while attempting to appreciate life's beauty
Can't break free anymore
Unable to escape from our chosen existence
From the life it seems that we have chosen
From the path we appear to have embraced
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB.
Written by: JACKSON PHILLIPS, PETER J. YORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Modern_Nostalgia
Awesome track Pete, been listening since Strange Condition at college in the Redwoods. Golden times
@jj7066
Pete Yorn never lets me down.
@Lyndanet
I believe that
@lucyunderwood9322
Love this song <333