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.
Long Way Down
Pete Yorn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So why should I compete with other guys?
All I know is
My father told me look out
"Look out!"
I don't want you
So why should I compete with other guys?
I don't love you, noI think I'll take a long way down from here
I think I'll take a long way down
I don't miss you
Still I will take a car to be with you
I don't know you
Of course you think you know me
I don't want you
So why should I compete with other guys?
I don't love you, no
I think I'll take a long way down from here
I think I'll take a long way down
I don't love you
The lyrics to Pete Yorn's song "Long Way Down" depict a conflicted and confusing set of emotions from the perspective of the singer who doesn't love the person that the song is addressed to. Despite this, the singer is still drawn to this person and feels like they should be with them, even though they are aware that they don't want them. In the first verse, the singer states that they won't compete with other guys for this person's affection because they don't love them. However, this sentiment is seemingly contradicted in the second verse when the singer claims that they still want to be with this person, even though they don't miss them and don't really know them.
The song's most poignant lyric is "I think I'll take a long way down from here." This line suggests that the singer is aware that pursuing this relationship will lead to ruin, but they're still pulled towards it. In a way, the song is a testament to the irrationality of desire and the often self-destructive nature of human relationships.
Overall, the lyrics to "Long Way Down" are upsetting yet truthful. They depict a complex range of emotions and paradoxical feelings that are often present in romantic relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't love you
The singer does not have feelings of love towards the person being addressed.
So why should I compete with other guys?
The singer sees no reason to vie for the attention of the person being addressed, as there are others who might also have interest.
All I know is
The singer's knowledge is limited to the following piece of advice.
My father told me look out
The artist received a warning from their father to be careful or wary.
"Look out!"
This is a repetition of the warning from the previous line, further emphasizing its importance.
I don't want you
The singer has no desire to be romantically involved with the person they are addressing.
I don't miss you
The singer does not feel nostalgic or wistful about a past connection with the person they are addressing.
Still I will take a car to be with you
Despite not having feelings of love or missing the person, the artist is willing to make an effort to physically be with them.
I don't know you
The artist does not have a deep understanding or familiarity with the person they are addressing.
Of course you think you know me
The artist assumes that the person they are addressing may have a certain level of confidence in their comprehension of the artist's character or motives.
I think I'll take a long way down from here
The singer intends to distance themselves from the current situation or the person they are addressing in a gradual or circuitous manner.
I think I'll take a long way down
This is a repetition of the previous line, further emphasizing the artist's intention to exit the situation or relationship gradually.
I don't love you, no
The singer confirms their lack of romantic feelings towards the person they are addressing.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Peter J. Yorn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind