Broken Windows
Steven Lee Olsen Lyrics
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The lyrics of Steven Lee Olsen’s song Broken Windows represents the singer's struggle to restrain from returning to his past relationship. The singer describes a dilapidated house with a rusty lock that won't open, a dry front yard, an old porch missing a few boards and a hanging mailbox on one screw. However, a broken window at the side of the house seems like an opportunity to break in and take a glimpse of his past. But he restrains himself, knowing that it’ll only lead him to deeper heartbreak rather than closure.
Throughout the chorus, Olsen contemplates returning to a relationship that he knows is not healthy for him. He admits that the temptation to climb through the broken window and dig through his past memories to find solace is strong, but he knows it's better to move on. He fears that he will be cut deeper to the bone by his emotions rather than finding closure. The singer reflects on his past with a sense of sadness but also acknowledges that he has to move on to find happiness.
Broken Windows portrays the classic situation of trying to find closure to move on when a relationship ends. The singer is aware of the risks and the harm it could do to his mentality, yet he’s still battling the temptation of returning to his past. The lyrics express a sense of defeat in the face of the singer's temptation, knowing that he needs to move on to find happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
THE LOCK IS RUSTED AND THE KEY WON'T TURN
The lock is in a state of disrepair and I cannot access what lays behind it.
THE FRONT YARD'S BROWN AND THE SUN JUST BURNS
The front area of the property is physically worn out and the harsh sunrays just makes it worse.
OLD PORCH IS MISSING A BOARD OR TWO
The porch area is dilapidated as there are boards missing in it.
THE MAILBOX HANGING FROM ONE LONE SCREW
The mailbox is precariously hanging from a single screw which showcases its weak condition.
AND A BROKEN WINDOW AROUND TO THE SIDE
There is a window frame with the glass pane broken on the side of the house.
I COULD GET IN IF I REALLY TRIED
Even with the windows and the lock being in a state of disrepair, I could still gain entry into the property if I wished to do so.
BUT WHAT WOULD I DO
Despite having the option to enter the property, there seems to be no reason compelling enough to do so.
JUST BE LOOKING FOR YOU
If I were to enter the property, it would only be with the desire to find you.
SOME MEMORIES ARE BETTER LEFT ALONE
There are some memories which are best not revisited or dug up again.
I'D PROBABLY LEARN REAL FAST IF I GO DIGGING THROUGH THE PAST
If I were to go down memory lane, I would quickly come to terms with what happened in the past.
I'D JUST GET CUT RIGHT BACK DOWN DEEPER TO THE BONE
However, this would only hurt me more and cause me to relive past wounds.
SO I'LL MOVE ALONG
Seeing no purpose to dwell on the past, I have made the decision to move on.
I GOT NO BUSINESS CLIMBING BACK THROUGH BROKEN WINDOWS
As I have decided to move on, there is no practical reason to take the effort and climb through the broken windows.
YOU'RE TEMPTING ME WITH YOUR SAME OLD WAYS
Although there's no reason to return to the past, the thought of it is still quite tempting and alluring.
THINK I'VE FORGOTTEN THE DARKEST DAYS
Despite feeling the pull of temptation, I recognize that returning would force me to remember the darkest moments of the past.
WHERE THERE WAS NO LIGHT AND THERE WAS NO LOVE
The past was a bleak period where there was no sense of light or love in my life.
THIS PLACE IS BETTER OFF BOARDED UP
Recognizing that entering the past is not worth it, I believe that it is best to keep the property boarded up and left behind.
BUT HERE I STAND AT THIS WINDOWPANE
Despite everything, I still find myself standing outside the window, wondering if there's a chance something inside has changed.
HOPING SOMTHING IN THERE MIGHT'VE CHANGED
While there may be no practical reason to believe this, I cannot help but hope that there's a possibility for something better inside.
AN EMPTY HOUSE IS ALL THAT I CAN SEE
Looking into the property, all I can see is an empty, lonely house that has no new surprises waiting for me.
I GOTTA TELL MYSELF THERE'S NOTHING THERE FOR ME
While the temptation and allure of the past remain, I recognize and remind myself that there's nothing in the property for me to gain by entering it again.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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