If I know, what I know, then no one will watch over you
So someone shouldn't really tell me what I want to know
I know, I owe, and I know that matters don't matter as much
As you think they do 

You will only be yourself
When you can never be yourself 
And you will only be yourself
When you understand what you know 

How long, will we go on with a modern way of letting go, 
tell me how long will we go on with the modern way of letting you go? 

If I know, what I know, losing isn't learning to be lost
It's learning to know when you're lost
If I know, what I know, 
I'll want to make the most of what it seems like 

You will only be yourself
You can never be yourself
And you will only be yourself
When you understand what you know 

How long, will we go on with a modern way of letting you go, 
tell me how long will we go on with the modern way of letting you go?



Lyrics submitted by rahtwinkle

A Modern Way of Letting Go Lyrics as written by Colin Newton Bob Fairfoull

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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A Modern Way Of Letting Go song meanings
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6 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    I think the lines about learning to be lost sums the song up. It is about letting go of your ambition and your dreams, your self esteem, your individuality. Anything that makes you you. It is a protest against people loosing their way.. And it is an encouragement for people to hold on not let go..

    brailtothenighton February 23, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This song is amazing,the main riff to it is one with such a punch which has comparisons to the new born riff(muse) i don't really understand what it is about,but i od know it's a great song and one of the best from the album.

    louisrolfeon March 03, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    All Idlewild songs are so warped, I find it difficult to find one meaning, which is one of the reasons I like the group. "Modern way of letting go"-I think this can be interpreted in lots of different ways, maybe it is about relationships and leaving people through staying with them. Idlewild often tend to contradict themselves in their songs, maybe it is referring to letting yourself go-learning who you are "when you understand what you know" and then you can become yourself.

    electricveilon April 26, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    i do agree idlewild always contradict themselves in songs but i see it as them giving both sides of the story and leeting the listener deciede which is the side they agree or disagree with more.

    returnoftheallstarson September 18, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Whatever the song is awesome

    Redskins285624on November 19, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This is my favorite Idlewild song. Espceially "If I know what I know, losing isn't learning to be lost -- it's learning to know when you're lost." [sigh] I LOVE IDLEWILD.

    elektricon February 21, 2005   Link

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