Gone But Not Forgotten
The Whippersnappers Lyrics

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I see you right through to
Everything that you've been missing
It's just beyond this door
And if you can see through

All the lights and grand illusion
You'll find out what it's for
And I say don't tell me that you're sorry

Is that all that you can

Is that all that you can say?
Don't realize way too late the feeling
Now it's gone but not forgotten.
And I've always been a stranger,

A wanderer searching in the dark
And you've always been a victim,
A modern martyr playing our your part
I see it written on your face

Between the lines of last year's anger.
Don't realize way too late the feeling
Now it's gone but not forgotten.
I know someday you'll

You'll find out someday.

Don't realize way too late the feeling
Now it's gone but not forgotten.

Overall Meaning

The Whippersnappers' song "Gone But Not Forgotten" is a reflective and introspective take on relationships that have ended. The first verse speaks of the potential that was missed in the relationship, the path not taken. The singer is encouraging their former significant other to look beyond the "lights and grand illusion" that may have blinded them before, and see what could have been possible. However, the refrain of "don't realize way too late the feeling, now it's gone but not forgotten" is a lamentation of the fact that both parties failed to realize the potential of the relationship before it was too late. The second verse delves deeper into the dynamic between the two individuals, with the singer considering themselves a "stranger" and a "wanderer," while seeing their former partner as a "victim" and a "modern martyr." The use of these terms evokes a sense of detachment and distance, as if the two individuals were never truly on the same page.

The bridge provides a possible glimmer of hope for the future, with the singer saying "I know someday you'll find out someday." This could be interpreted as a reference to personal growth and self-discovery leading to the realization of what could have been. However, the refrain returns with the same sense of sadness and regret - "don't realize way too late the feeling, now it's gone but not forgotten." The song ultimately appears to be a cautionary tale of sorts, warning against complacency and encouraging individuals to pursue what they truly want before it's too late.

Line by Line Meaning

I see you right through to
I can see past your outer facade

Everything that you've been missing
All the important things you've been neglecting

It's just beyond this door
The solution is near

And if you can see through
If you can see past the surface

All the lights and grand illusion
The false distractions and glamour

You'll find out what it's for
You'll discover its true purpose

And I say don't tell me that you're sorry
Don't apologize without action to back it up

Is that all that you can
Is that the extent of your efforts

Is that all that you can say?
Words alone are not enough

Don't realize way too late the feeling
Don't wait too long to recognize the emotion

Now it's gone but not forgotten.
It may be gone, but the memory remains