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.
Man In Uniform
Pete Yorn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He wants to get out
Didn't see it coming
Head in from the west
And it's he who choose
To reach another level
I never even saw it
Before today Sew his uniform
Paint a different circle
Can I wonder how
You never let me down?
If it's we who choose
I'll reach another level
To be that one
Who never lost a day
But it's he who choose
I'll reach out for the takers
I never saw them
Make it in a scene
Man in uniform
Wants to get out
He didn't see it coming
Blaze in from the north
So it's they who choose
I'll reach out for beginners
I know you could not miss it,
It's a date!
A little while
Just for a little while
I know you never wanted it this way
I can see, I can see.
In "Man in Uniform," Pete Yorn sings about a man who wears a uniform and wants to get out. The singer didn't see this coming and is reflecting on the man's decision to reach another level. They wonder how this man never let them down and acknowledges that it's up to the individual to choose their path in life. The singer, too, wants to reach another level and never lose a day. They mention the takers, those who try to make it in a particular scene, and the beginners, both of which they'll reach out to. The song ends with the singer acknowledging that things aren't ideal and that they can see the unexpected changes.
The song's theme centers around making choices for oneself and how those choices can shift one's life in unexpected ways. The man in uniform represents someone who seemingly had their life figured out by choosing a particular career path but is now unhappy and wants to leave. Meanwhile, the singer is looking at their own life, examining their choices, and seeking something more.
Line by Line Meaning
Man in uniform told me
A person in a uniform spoke with me.
He wants to get out
The person expressed a desire to leave their current situation.
Didn't see it coming
The person was caught off guard by their desire to leave.
Head in from the west
The person arrived from the western direction.
And it's he who choose
The decision of whether to stay or leave is up to this specific individual.
To reach another level
The person is seeking to progress to a higher level of personal or professional achievement.
I never even saw it
The singer was unaware of the person's desire to leave until this moment.
Before today
This realization is a recent development for the artist.
Sew his uniform
The person's uniform requires some sort of alteration.
Paint a different circle
The person is seeking to associate with a different group of people.
Can I wonder how
The singer is curious as to how the person has managed to never disappoint them.
You never let me down?
The person has never caused the artist to feel let down or disappointed.
If it's we who choose
If the decision is made jointly between the singer and the person, they will work together to reach a new level of achievement.
I'll reach another level
The singer intends to progress to a higher level of achievement regardless of the other person's decision.
To be that one
The singer desires to be the person who has never lost a day, always achieving their goals.
Who never lost a day
The ideal of constantly succeeding is important to the artist.
But it's he who choose
Ultimately, the decision to stay or leave lies with this specific individual.
I'll reach out for the takers
The singer will seek out those who take action to achieve their goals.
I never saw them
The singer was previously unaware of this group of action-oriented individuals.
Make it in a scene
These individuals are able to succeed in a given environment.
Man in uniform
Reaffirming the identity of the person the artist is discussing.
Wants to get out
The person desires to leave their current situation.
He didn't see it coming
The decision to leave was unexpected for the person.
Blaze in from the north
The person arrived quickly and energetically from the northern direction.
So it's they who choose
The decision to stay or leave could also involve other individuals or groups.
I'll reach out for beginners
The singer intends to connect with those who are new to a given area or field.
I know you could not miss it
The singer is confident that the person they are addressing would have seen this opportunity as well.
It's a date!
The artist is excited about the potential for a new opportunity or collaboration.
A little while
The artist is anticipating a brief period of time.
Just for a little while
Reinforcing the idea that this upcoming event or opportunity will only be temporary.
I know you never wanted it this way
The singer understands that the person they are addressing likely has other preferences or desires.
I can see, I can see.
The artist has a clear understanding of the situation and is confident in their decisions moving forward.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: SIOBHAN MAIRE DEIDRE FAHEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@edmahala
Great song.
@kundera30
love the song!
@Greenman727
Good song... reminescent of Graham Parsons.
@jerseyvegan
Cigarette at 1:42?? Don't damage that voice, PY!