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.
Summer Was a Day
Pete Yorn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was always with you
Only looking for another respite
Gave away what suits you
I was lost but you were within
Came up when I needed you
Don't be worried that you're losing it
The more you got they'll give you
Summer was a day
Things were looking up
It never felt so good and
You weren't looking for it
Summer was a day
So much further now
You're gonna wait till fall to go home
Love goes weak when you won't escape
Lies and broken faces
What a difference another day makes
You ever ask the questions
Summer was a day
Things were looking up
It never felt so good and
You weren't looking for it
Summer was a day
So much further now
I couldn't be the one to warm your heart
Oh-oh-oh
I couldn't be the one
Oh-oh-oh
Couldn't be the one
Oh-oh-oh
I couldn't be the one
The song "Summer Was a Day" by Pete Yorn touches on themes of love, loss, and self-improvement. The first verse suggests that the singer (presumably Yorn himself) was always with someone through their journey to better themselves but gave away something that suited them in the process. The second verse laments the weakness of love when someone won't escape lies and broken faces and asks if they ever ask the questions they need to. The chorus then ties into the title, with summer representing a bright and hopeful time before things went sour between two people. The phrase "so much further now" implies that time has passed between the events of the song and the present. The final lines of the song confess something that the singer could not be for the other person - "the one" - leaving the listener to question what that means in the context of the rest of the song.
Overall, the song speaks to the cyclical nature of relationships and how even the brightest, happiest moments can end up being fleeting memories. The lyrics suggest a yearning for something unattainable and trying to move on despite that longing.
Line by Line Meaning
Coming up to better yourself
Striving for personal improvement
I was always with you
Being a constant companion
Only looking for another respite
Seeking temporary relief
Gave away what suits you
Sacrificing personal belongings
I was lost but you were within
Feeling lost but finding comfort in another person
Came up when I needed you
Offering help at the right time
Don't be worried that you're losing it
Not to fret about failure
The more you got they'll give you
Asking for more means receiving more
Summer was a day
A fleeting moment of happiness
Things were looking up
Having a positive outlook
It never felt so good and
Feeling ecstatic and content
You weren't looking for it
Not searching for happiness
So much further now
The passage of time changes everything
You're gonna wait till fall to go home
Delaying a return to reality
Love goes weak when you won't escape
Deterioration of love due to inaction
Lies and broken faces
Deceit and disappointment
What a difference another day makes
Small changes make a big impact
You ever ask the questions
Questioning one's decisions and actions
I couldn't be the one to warm your heart
Unable to provide emotional solace
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Peter J. Yorn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KatieRobleski4
Can't even HANDLE how good this is. Thank you Pete. Thank you.
@RichDeVito1
This song is so good, it may be one of my favorites by him. He never disappoints!
@Alekzbizkit
YES, more Pete Yorn, it was about time. Now I want more...
@hollymcallister4785
Gorgeous song - Can't wait to hear the new album! PY is killin it as always! Love him!!
@velocitygrrrl94
This is one of the most satisfying and originally made lyrics video I’ve ever seen
@niamhmayhew6216
AHH! I am so excited! I love you Pete Yorn!
@solaso2920
OMG think I just found my new Favorite artist!!! He's deserves more
@deejayaviva
I truly hope you listened to all of petes music... He's hands down, my favourite artist alive.
@mattgodfrey2684
He is fucking amazing. I don't know about this latest album though... and I hate saying that.
@keithstewart934
Seriously underappreciated.