It's said that the musical urge in Kellogg started with a mixture of his dad's records (Cat Stevens/Jim Croce) and his sister's (Mötley Crüe/Bon Jovi). The songwriting of the former and the showmanship of the latter was the beginning of the musical attitude that pervades Kellogg's work today. Kellogg got his start recording and touring while attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 1994-1998. He independently released several solo albums before being signed to Universal Records in 2004.
www.stephenkellogg.com
It's Only That I Miss You
Stephen Kellogg Lyrics
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As you replay conversations and wish that you were dead
You wonder how anyone could ever like someone so bad
In spite of all your good fortune you wind up feeling sad
I miss you
I miss you
When people change your life you remember who they are
I'm not saying you were perfect, no one really is
But perfection's in perception and it's what you make of it
I miss you man
I miss you man
And there's no regrets, It's only that I
Miss you
What does it matter anyway if we're all gonna die?
If the only things you take away are the things you kept inside
You can bet my point of view and my sense that I was right
Will be nowhere to be found at the end of the night
A substitute profession would never really do
I find myself wishing that I was more like you
In spite of my successes, however small they've been
My tongue sometimes betrays me and my ancestry again
I miss you man
I miss you man
And there's no regrets, and it's only that I miss you
The lyrics to Stephen Kellogg's song "It's Only That I Miss You" explore the complex emotions of missing someone while also questioning the meaning of life and our own mortality. The first verse talks about a feeling of regret and disappointment in oneself as the singer replays conversations and wishes they were dead, questioning how anyone could like someone so "bad" despite their good fortune. This feeling of sadness and missing someone is encapsulated in the repeated line "I miss you."
The second verse reflects on the importance of certain people in our lives, such as the person who bought the singer their guitar, and how they shape and change us. The singer acknowledges that no one is perfect, but it's up to us to create our own perfection by changing our perception of things. The repeated line changes to "I miss you man," emphasizing the importance of this person and their impact on the singer's life.
The bridge of the song talks about the meaninglessness of life in the face of death, and how our beliefs and opinions don't matter in the end. The singer reflects on his own imperfections and wishes he was more like the person he misses. Despite any successes, the singer's tongue sometimes betrays him and he longs for the connection and influence of the person he misses.
Overall, the song explores the depth of missing someone and the impact that certain people can have on our lives. It also touches on larger questions about life and what really matters in the end.
Line by Line Meaning
Late at night you find yourself considering what was said
During late nights, you contemplate the conversations you had earlier and ruminate on them.
As you replay conversations and wish that you were dead
You replay conversations and strongly wish that you were no longer alive.
You wonder how anyone could ever like someone so bad
You ponder on how people could ever like someone as flawed as you.
In spite of all your good fortune you wind up feeling sad
Despite all your privileges, you still feel down and low.
I miss you
I miss you.
I will not forget who bought me my guitars
I will never forget the person who gifted me my guitars.
When people change your life you remember who they are
Individuals who impact your life leave a lasting impression.
I'm not saying you were perfect, no one really is
You were not perfect, but no one really is.
But perfection's in perception and it's what you make of it
Perfection is subjective and it is defined by an individual's perspective.
I miss you man
I miss you man.
And there's no regrets, It's only that I
There are no regrets or misgivings about the past, but I do miss you.
What does it matter anyway if we're all gonna die?
In the grand scheme of things, if we all will perish, then what is the point?
If the only things you take away are the things you kept inside
When you die, the only things you take with you are the things that you did not express or let out.
You can bet my point of view and my sense that I was right
My perspective or belief that I am accurate will not matter in the end.
Will be nowhere to be found at the end of the night
My beliefs will be meaningless and gone by the end of the night.
A substitute profession would never really do
A different profession or occupation would not suffice.
I find myself wishing that I was more like you
I wish I were more like you.
In spite of my successes, however small they've been
Despite my achievements, no matter how minimal they may seem.
My tongue sometimes betrays me and my ancestry again
I sometimes speak despite knowing that it goes against my heritage.
I miss you man
I miss you man.
And there's no regrets, and it's only that I miss you
I do not regret anything, but I miss you.
Contributed by Aubrey E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.