I spent the morning at an old friend's grave
Flowers and Amazing Grace, he was a good man
He spent his whole life spinnin' his wheels
Never knowin' how the real thing feels
He never took a chance or took the time to dance
And I stood there thinking as I said goodbye
Today is the first day of the rest of my life

I'm gonna stop lookin' back and start movin' on
And learn how to face my fears
Love with all of my heart, make my mark
I want to leave something here

Go out on a ledge, with out any net
That's what I'm gonna be about
Yeah I want to be runnin'
When the sand runs out

'Cause people do it everyday
Promise themselves they're gonna change
I've been there, but I'm changin' from the inside out

That was then and this is now
I'm a new man, yeah, I'm a brand new man
And when they carve my stone they'll write these words
"Here lies a man who lived life for all that its worth"

I'm gonna stop lookin' back and start movin' on
Learn how to face my fears
Love with all of my heart, make my mark
I want to leave something here

Go out on a ledge, with out any net
That's what I'm gonna be about
Yeah I want to be runnin'
When the sand runs out

And as the cold wind blows
Across the graveyard
I think I hear the voice
Of my old friend
Whisper in my ear

Go out on a ledge, with out any net
That's what I'm gonna be about
Yeah I want to be runnin'
When the sand runs out

I want to be runnin' when
The sand runs out
Ooo, yes I do


Lyrics submitted by Buschwackers03

When the Sand Runs Out Lyrics as written by James Leblanc Brad Crisler

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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When the Sand Runs Out song meanings
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    General Comment

    At first when I listened to it I thought that th lyrics were "Go out on a limb, without internet".

    danizzygurlon October 22, 2006   Link

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