The sway and swell
Fill you with her motion
Red gold across my arms
The vicious strokes I painted

A river fills your heart
I'm sorry if I let you down
I know just how you feel tonight
This is never what you wanted
I've been searching for myself
In other people's eyes

The mirror is telling half-truths
These stolen words finally feel like mine
Swollen and sweating, off-time
I can see it in your eyes

An ocean floods my heart
I'm sorry that I let you down
You know just how I feel tonight
This is everything I wanted
You've been searching for yourself
In other people's eyes

The revisionist never gets it perfect
Never gets you perfect
The revisionist never gets it perfect
Never gets you perfect
The time is never ripe
The words are never right
The time is never ripe
The words are never right


Lyrics submitted by X405pastmidnight

The Revisionist song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

7 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment

    i think the "searchin for myself/youself in other peoples eyes" has to do with the person dating other people.

    the relationship is dragging on ..too much fighting and no progress..its just not working out but they still love eachother.. he is wondering what else is out there and wants more so he is looking for it..and she doesnt want that.

    later on she realizes that the relationship is comming to an end so she does the same

    sums it up in this quote:

    "An ocean floods my heart I'm sorry that I let you down You know just how I feel tonight This is everything I wanted You've been searching for yourself In other people's eyes"

    a_harknesson June 21, 2006   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Album art
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him. There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Album art
Holiday
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday". I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.