The Plan
Restorations Lyrics
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'99, '06, and '10
Hoping to find some kind of forgiveness
She says "Look at these kids in their fancy clothes!
They got nothing to show.
Nowhere to go."
Some days, we'd follow them for miles
Don't got time to read or write
Got enough to do just to keep the roof on
In these stacks and rows
We've got a long way to go
Chalk it up to common confusion
Missing the point entirely
I was listening to Bob Seger
While you were listening to Pete
With a wry smile she says to me
"Well, which side are you on?"
Oh, to be here at all
I think I heard you singing outside
6: 30 in the morning
While my heads still spinning
And the middle of the streets blaring
While I'm picking up the pieces
Standing on the edge of the storm
The lyrics of Restorations' song The Plan deal with themes of personal growth and finding one's place in the world. The opening lines "Losing friends in the name of The Plan, '99, '06, and '10" suggest that the singer has been pursuing some sort of personal mission that has caused them to lose friends along the way. The specific years mentioned may signify important moments in the singer's life when they made decisions that caused them to veer away from close relationships. However, the line "Hoping to find some kind of forgiveness" reveals that there is some regret or guilt associated with these actions.
The next verse introduces a character who disparages younger generations for their perceived lack of ambition, scoffing at their "fancy clothes" and appearing to suggest that they lack direction. However, the singer remembers following these kids "for miles," perhaps indicating that they can see something admirable in this new generation that the other character cannot. The lines "Don't got time for all these positive assertions/Don't got time to read or write/Got enough to do just to keep the roof on" reflect the idea that sometimes life's necessities can prevent people from pursuing lofty ideals.
The final verse also deals with personal preferences and differences, as the singer and their companion listen to different musical artists. The question "Well, which side are you on?" suggests a deeper divide in their perspectives beyond just musical tastes. The repeated phrase "Oh, to be here at all" may reflect a sense of gratitude for being alive and experiencing the world, despite its challenges. Overall, the song explores the complexities of personal growth and individuality, including the conflicts and sacrifices that can come with pursuing one's own path.
Line by Line Meaning
Losing friends in the name of The Plan
Sacrificing friendships in order to follow a specific and ambitious agenda.
'99, '06, and '10
Years that have passed, possibly significant to the band members or the songwriter.
Hoping to find some kind of forgiveness
Asking for absolution, seeking to be pardoned and granted mercy.
She says "Look at these kids in their fancy clothes!
Someone remarks about children who are fashionably dressed but have nothing noteworthy to display, nowhere significant to be.
They got nothing to show.
Their outward appearance doesn't reflect their abilities or accomplishments.
Nowhere to go."
They don't have any interesting destinations or prospects in their lives.
Some days, we'd follow them for miles
On certain days, we would trail after those who are supposedly directionless or unremarkable.
Don't got time for all these positive assertions
There's no room for optimistic statements, affirmations or declarations.
Don't got time to read or write
No leisure time to engage in literary activities or pursuits.
Got enough to do just to keep the roof on
Busy enough with responsibilities of maintaining a shelter.
In these stacks and rows
In this kind of environment where things are organized in a systematic manner.
We've got a long way to go
We still have an extended journey to complete.
Chalk it up to common confusion
Categorize it under an ordinary state of being perplexed or bewildered.
Missing the point entirely
Failing to comprehend the main idea or concept completely.
I was listening to Bob Seger
At some point, the singer was tuned into the music of Bob Seger.
While you were listening to Pete
While another person was engaging in the music of Pete.
With a wry smile she says to me
With a twisted grin or ironic tone, someone speaks to the artist.
"Well, which side are you on?"
Asking the listener about which side of a divide they are positioned towards.
Oh, to be here at all
Oh, just being alive to experience this moment is a blessing.
I think I heard you singing outside
The artist believes to have heard the listener singing outdoors.
6:30 in the morning
The time of day when the singing may have occurred.
While my heads still spinning
While the artist is still overwhelmed by something.
And the middle of the streets blaring
The sounds of the street are playing loudly and disruptively.
While I'm picking up the pieces
The artist is trying to repair or recover from a situation.
Standing on the edge of the storm
Metaphorically near the boundary of a turbulent event or experience.
Contributed by Cooper W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.