The Reason is a Canadian rock band, from Hamilton ON, formed by Adam White … Read Full Bio ↴The Reason is a Canadian rock band, from Hamilton ON, formed by Adam White and James Nelan in 2003. Adam White (vocals) and James "Cubby" Nelan (guitar) formed The Reason in late 2003 after the passing of their punk rock band, Sewing With Nancie. Eventually adding Erik Mikalauskas (guitar), Cam Bordignon (drums) and Sean Palmer (bass), The Reason began to write songs and immediately released their first EP - Problems Associated With Running. The band replaced Mikalauskas with Jeremy Widerman on guitar shortly afterwards, and went on tour. They soon signed to Smallman Records & Management after the label witnessed the band performing a concert. In the 12 months that followed they played over 200 shows across Canada and the northern USA, and quickly developed poise well beyond their short existence.

My Broken Legs
The Reason Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The world before me
The wall behind me
I don't know which side I'm on
But it's the right one for me
I'll take my time now
I'll sing my heart out, now I know
The strings that held me down have come undone
I'm on my way

This isn't the first time I've been to this place
But it's the last time I'll be afraid of anything
And so the next time you look at my face

Know it's the last time you'll ever get to question me
On my broken legs

Overall Meaning

The opening verse of The Reason's song "My Broken Legs" is an evocative description of a person on the verge of total transformation. The world and the wall are polar opposites, with the former representing the unknown and the latter symbolizing the past. However, the singer isn't sure which side they are on, revealing a state of ambiguity and uncertainty. Despite this confusion, they believe they are on the correct path, implying a newfound sense of purpose. The chorus starts with the dissonance of the singer's present predicament being "My Broken Legs," but they have now started to move towards their new life. They don't want to rush the process and will take their time. They have gained confidence and plan to sing their heart out, revealing their passion for their new journey. They know the strings that held them down have come undone, implying a release of the forces that once restrained them.

The second verse continues to develop the idea of transformation. The singer admits to having been in that place before, which hints that this isn't a significant first-time experience. They've identified this moment as the one that will change them for good, though. This time around, they've resolved never to be afraid of anything again. The last line, directing the listener not to question them again on their broken legs, suggests that the journey they are embarking on is not only physical but also emotional, and they are finally coming to terms with it.

Line by Line Meaning

The world before me
I am standing facing the world, unsure of what will come next

The wall behind me
There is something behind me that I can't escape, holding me back

I don't know which side I'm on
I am lost and confused, unsure of what path to take

But it's the right one for me
Despite my uncertainty, I know that where I am going is where I need to be

I'll take my time now
I will move forward at my own pace, without rushing

I'll sing my heart out, now I know
I will express myself fully and without reservation

The strings that held me down have come undone
The things that were keeping me stuck and unable to move forward have been released

I'm on my way
I am finally making progress towards my goals

This isn't the first time I've been to this place
I have experienced similar situations before

But it's the last time I'll be afraid of anything
I am no longer afraid and will face whatever comes my way with courage

And so the next time you look at my face
When you see me again