Have You Ever
The Offspring Lyrics


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Falling, I'm falling
Falling, I'm falling

Have you ever walked through a room
But it was more like the room passed around you?
Like there was a leash around your neck that pulled you through?
Have you ever been at someplace
Recognizing everybody's face
Until you realized that there was no one there you knew?

(Well, I know) some days, my soul's confined and out of mind
Sleep forever
(I know) some days, I'm so outshined and out of time
Have you ever

Falling, I'm falling
Falling, I'm falling

Have you ever buried your face in your hands
'Cause no one around you understands
Or has the slightest idea what it is that makes you be?
Have you ever felt like there was more?
Like someone else was keeping score
And what could make you whole was simply out of reach?

(Well, I know) someday, I'll try again and not pretend
This time forever
(I know) someday, I'll get it straight but not today
Have you ever

Falling, I'm falling
Falling, I'm falling

(Falling) some days, my soul's confined
(I'm falling) and out of mind, sleep forever
(Falling) some days, my darkest friend
(I'm falling) is me again, have you ever
(Falling) Someday, I'll try again
(I'm falling) and not pretend this time forever
Someday I'll get it straight but not today
Have you ever

When the truth walks away, everybody stays
'Cause the truth about the world is that crime does pay
So if you walk away, who is gonna stay?
'Cause I'd like to think the world is a better place

When the truth walks away, everybody stays
'Cause the truth about the world is that crime does pay
So if you walk away, who is gonna stay?
'Cause I'd like to make the world be a better place

When the truth walks away, everybody stays
'Cause the truth about the world is that crime does pay
So if you walk away, who is gonna stay?
'Cause I'd like to think the world is a better place




I'd like to leave the world as a better place
I'd like to think the world

Overall Meaning

The Offspring's "Have You Ever" explores the concept of feeling lost and disconnected from the world around you. The lyrics describe a feeling of being pulled through life with no real control, as if there is a leash around your neck. The song asks if the listener has ever been in a situation where they feel completely alone in a crowded room, recognizing everyone's face but not knowing anyone well.


The second half of the song focuses on the concept of struggling to find happiness and feeling as though something crucial is missing from your life. The lyrics describe burying your face in your hands because no one can understand you, feeling like you're constantly falling, and struggling to keep up with a world that seems out of reach. The song acknowledges that sometimes we have to fake our way through life in order to survive, but ultimately suggests that there is hope for the future.


The bridge of the song takes on a more political tone, with the lyrics stating that "the truth about the world is that crime does pay." The song questions who will stay to fight for change when the truth itself seems to have left the room. The repeated lyrics about making the world a better place suggest that there is still a chance for positive change, even in the face of seeming hopelessness and despair.


Line by Line Meaning

Falling, I'm falling
Feeling lost and helpless, as though falling into a deep abyss


Have you ever walked through a room But it was more like the room passed around you? Like there was a leash around your neck that pulled you through?
Feeling disconnected and out of control, as though being pulled along by some unseen force


Have you ever been at someplace Recognizing everybody's face Until you realized that there was no one there you knew?
Feeling alone and isolated, even when surrounded by familiar faces


Some days, my soul's confined and out of mind Sleep forever
Struggling with depression and the desire to escape from reality


Have you ever buried your face in your hands 'Cause no one around you understands Or has the slightest idea what it is that makes you be?
Feeling misunderstood and unheard, as though no one truly knows who you are


Have you ever felt like there was more? Like someone else was keeping score And what could make you whole was simply out of reach?
Feeling as though something is missing, and that no matter how hard you try, you cannot attain it


Someday, I'll try again and not pretend This time forever
Hoping for a better future, where they can be true to themselves and find happiness


When the truth walks away, everybody stays 'Cause the truth about the world is that crime does pay So if you walk away, who is gonna stay? 'Cause I'd like to think the world is a better place
Questioning the morality of the world, and wondering who will take a stand against injustice and wrongdoing




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bryan Keith Holland

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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