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.
For Us
Pete Yorn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What do you think about us?
I was in the station
Working on something for us
You say your empty mind
Is easy when it's drugged
I watched you fall out of bed and scrape up your back
This life is like the drug
This life is like the drug
Ask yourself
What do they say about us?
I was in the station
Cooking up something for us
You say your empty mind
Is easy when it's drugged
I watched you fall out of bed and scrape up your back
Well, maybe
This life is like your bed
This life is like your bed
I've seen you fall between
Everywhere we go
They want to love you, baby
More than you know
I've seen the storm inside you
All through the day I know it never leaves you
Not in that way
(Yeah)
I've seen your empty mind is easy when it's drugged
I've watched you fall out of bed and then scrape up your back
Well, maybe
This life is like your head
This life is like your head
This life is like your head
Ask yourself
Ask yourself
Yeah, ask yourself
The song "For Us" by Pete Yorn is a reflective and introspective track that centers around the idea of questioning oneself and the people around them. Yorn poses a crucial question in the first verse: "What do you think about us?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the track and serves as an overarching theme. The singer is seemingly in a state of self-reflection and is exploring the relationship they have with their partner.
In the second verse, Yorn introduces the idea of an "empty mind" being easier when it's drugged. The line can be interpreted in a few different ways, but the most apparent understanding is that drugs can serve to numb one's thinking and emotions. The singer has seemingly witnessed their partner's struggle with sobriety or mental health, as the line "I watched you fall out of bed and scrape up your back" suggests.
The following lines express a certain resignation to the idea that life is like a drug or a comfortable, but dangerous place, like a bed or one's head. The middle, spoken-word section of the song adds another layer of depth with lines like "I've seen the storm inside you," which implies that the singer has a unique understanding of their partner's suffering. The song's repeated refrain, "Ask yourself," reinforces the message of self-reflection and seeking answers within oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Ask yourself
Take a moment to reflect on your thoughts and feelings
What do you think about us?
Consider our relationship and how you perceive it
I was in the station
Working on something for us
I was busy trying to improve our situation and make things better for us
You say your empty mind
Is easy when it's drugged
I watched you fall out of bed and scrape up your back
Well, maybe
This life is like the drug
This life is like the drug
You believe that being high makes it easier for you to deal with life's problems, but I see the consequences of your drug use and wonder if it's really helping you
What do they say about us?
I was in the station
Cooking up something for us
I'm curious about what others think of us, but at the moment I'm focused on trying to create something positive for our relationship
This life is like your bed
This life is like your bed
This existence we lead is akin to the comfort (or discomfort) of your sleeping space
I've seen you fall between
Everywhere we go
They want to love you, baby
More than you know
I've seen the storm inside you
All through the day I know it never leaves you
Not in that way
(Yeah)
I've observed you feeling isolated and struggling to connect with others, even though there are people who care about you deeply. I am aware that you carry a lot of emotional pain that impacts you constantly
This life is like your head
This life is like your head
This life is like your head
This existence we lead is similar to the complexities and turmoil that can occur within one's mind
Ask yourself
Ask yourself
Yeah, ask yourself
Reiterate the importance of self-reflection and introspection
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Peter J. Yorn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tim Webber
Yeah, this is an amazing song. Should have gotten more promotion, acknowledgement, and respect.
Jeremiah Roiko
One of the best choruses ever written!
atittle45
Great song and a pretty nice video too! The song deserves to be better known.
Banning Lyon
Thanks, Pete. Signed, everyone who's ever been in love with an addict.
Jason Donato
One of my all time favorites
Von Milash
This song was so far ahead of its time that sadly it only has 21 thousand views. What a shame.
MichaelW-Tn
+Von Milash The problem is. . a great song like this one has limited outlets to be heard. Independent stations. College radio. Hard to build a following anymore. Not like it used to be when clubs flourished in just about every city around. That's how I learned of Pete Yorn. Indy radio. Still. . artists will pursue their dreams. This song beats the crap on radio now by a long shot.
Von Milash
what a great song and a poignant video. conjurs up so much emotion for a little bird!
Jesus Lopez
I had forgotten about this incredible piece of art. I love Pete
ycr .lhur
Excellent !!