One: became the widowed son.
Them, to me, "Out of sight, out of mind."
Someone said that to me and I smiled.

Two: Listen as he sings through you.
Three: Close your eyes and feel alive.
Did you really feel it in his side?
No, it's just like him, but it's not him.
Without the beating, this feeling is guaranteed.

Oh and I hide my face in the shade.
When I find my old place in the shade.
And I hide.

Anata wa mae kara
Ushiro kara,
Watashi o tori kakomi.
Mi te o watashi no ue ni
O kare mashita.

Translation of Japanese:
You hem me in
behind and before;
you have laid
your hand upon me.



Lyrics submitted by whenshesmiles

By Number song meanings
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4 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    To xnorthwindx and everyone else who keeps whining about the ties between Anathallo, the church, God, and religion: You can choose not to interpret these lyrics as religious, but that's not how they were written. If you bothered to actually buy their CD, you know that in the booklet it says that the Japanese text in By Number is from Psalm 139:5. It's hard not to think that a song has religious undertones when there is a direct quote in the lyrics. Maybe it's not how you want to see it, and that's fine. But don't come on here and get ticked at people discussing the meaning of the song, just because it's not what you want. If you have an opinion on what this song means to you, share it. But don't come in here and trash on the people who are using this site correctly. It's important to note that I'm not saying that all Anathallo songs are directly tied to religion. Because they're not. And yes, people read into those songs and try to pull a religious meaning out of it. But this song truly IS about religion. And it's beautiful.

    That being said, I think this song is about faith. And feeling God inside you. ""Out of sight, out of mind." Someone said that to me and I smiled." Could be talking about how you can't see God, but you can feel Him. The rest of the song follows suit. Especially the Japanese verse. Matt Joynt took feelings, not things that can be seen, heard, or physically touched, and turned them into music. That's talent.

    jennycraneon November 12, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Psalm 139:5 (NIV) You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.

    Heard that in church this morning. Awesome song and I love the counterpuntal vocals at the end!

    Petary791on May 14, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    bitter much?

    foolbecomeson December 26, 2008   Link
  • -2
    General Comment

    No more god and church references, please.

    xnorthwindxon December 07, 2008   Link

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