Pete Yorn (b. July 27, 1974) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist… Read Full Bio ↴Pete Yorn (b. July 27, 1974) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist originally from Montville, New Jersey, United States.

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.

Pass Me By
Pete Yorn Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The words you never cared to say
I want to find a better place
When we rely on something more than this
And even as I try to sleep
I'm looking for my best friends
I'm tired of all the people
I'm seeing through
(The) same idea

It makes me wonder why I'm here
And even when I try to sleep
Still looking for my best friend
When we rely on something more than this
The words you never cared to say
"I want to start a family"
I'm tired of all the people
I'm seeing through
(The) same idea
It makes me wonder why I'm here
Watch me now
Try
Couldn't walk down that line

Just pass me by
Just passing by

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pete Yorn's "Pass Me By" is about the singer's yearning to find a better place, to rely on something more than what he currently has, and to move on from relationships that no longer serve him. He talks about the words that were left unsaid, hinting at his desire for something more substantial than what he currently has. This is emphasized in the lines "When we rely on something more than this" and "The words you never cared to say, 'I want to start a family'."

The singer's sense of disconnection from his surroundings is emphasized by the lines "I'm tired of all the people / I'm seeing through (The) same idea / It makes me wonder why I'm here." This can be interpreted as him being disillusioned with the world he currently inhabits and yearning for change. The repetition of the line "And even when I try to sleep / Still looking for my best friend" highlights his desire for a deeper connection with someone.

The refrain of "Just pass me by" signifies the singer's desire to move on and leave behind anything that doesn't serve him. He acknowledges that walking down that line was not possible and asks to be passed by, indicating his readiness to take a new path.

Line by Line Meaning

The words you never cared to say
You didn't bother expressing those thoughts

I want to find a better place
I want to improve my current situation

When we rely on something more than this
We need to depend on something better

And even as I try to sleep
Even while sleeping, my mind is active

I'm looking for my best friends
I'm searching for companionship

I'm tired of all the people
I'm exhausted with the individuals around me

I'm seeing through
I can see past the surface level of things

(The) same idea
The same thoughts, concepts, and principles

It makes me wonder why I'm here
It causes me to question my existence

And even when I try to sleep
Even during my attempts to rest

Still looking for my best friend
I continue to search for companionship