Brandi Carlile – The Story

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true, I was made for you

I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines, and I broke all the rules
And, baby, I broke them all for you
Oh, because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
You do
I was made for you

You see the smile that's on my mouth
It's hiding the words that don't come out
And all of our friends who think that I'm blessed
They don't know my head is a mess
No, they don't know who I really am
And they don't know what
I've been through like you do
And I was made for you

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
Oh, but these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true, I was made for you
Oh yeah, well it's true, that I was made for you


Lyrics submitted by wheresthelove024

"The Story" as written by Phillip John Hanseroth

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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The Story song meanings
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  • +7
    My InterpretationYou know when you have been through alot of misery, alot of heartache and relationships that didn't last, and you kind of give up on it all, on love, life, all of it? And then one day you meet this amazing person who changes it all, who gives you peace in mind and in your soul/heart. I'ts meant to be, it's so easy, effortless, you share every inch of your depth and soul with them, you're made for each other. and finally you're home.. ?

    Well this is about that. I think.
    Freyiaon January 07, 2012   Link
  • +4
    Song MeaningFirst of all, let me say that I'm over 50, divorced (u-g-l-y), male and I left everything I had for "the one". What I don't get is how, at her young age, she is able to get to the depths, despair, emotion and complexities of life. I really admire her, her songwriting, which is only exceeded by her voice, which is just amazing. and LIVE, she is more amazing than she is on her CD's. (saw her in NYC)

    All of these lines across my face
    Tell you the story of who I am
    So many stories of where I've been
    And how I got to where I am
    But these stories don't mean anything
    When you've got no one to tell them to
    It's true... I was made for you

    To me, These lines refer to the aspect of being successful and traveled but alone. Desperately so. Then getting a glimmer of hope, in that special someone who actually wants to hear the stories. And doesn't mind the lines in your face, because they have them as well.

    I climbed across the mountain tops
    Swam all across the ocean blue
    I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
    But baby I broke them all for you
    Because even when I was flat broke
    You made me feel like a million bucks
    You do
    I was made for you

    Sometimes in life, you have to give everything up that you thought (or taught) was important to be happy. It's about someone who isn't interested in the success (having achieved it), just someone to share life with. And is willing to bear any burden, face any foe, to be with someone who "gets" them.

    You see the smile that's on my mouth
    It's hiding the words that don't come out
    And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
    They don't know my head is a mess
    No, they don't know who I really am
    And they don't know what
    I've been through like you do
    And I was made for you...

    God, these are the lines that really make the difference. How many of you have lived the lie to make other people happy? Been in a marriage where on the surface seemed perfect but was hopelessly broken. And lied to everyone around you when you were dying inside? This leads to the dysfunctional situation that a lot of people find themselves in, keeping ourselves in an unhappy relationship, because we feel trapped. After we meet the "one", it becomes impossible. We spend our days (and nights) yearning to be with someone that really understand who we are, and loves us for who we are and not for what we provide (big income, security, etc...)

    All of these lines across my face
    Tell you the story of who I am
    So many stories of where I've been
    And how I got to where I am
    But these stories don't mean anything
    When you've got no one to tell them to
    It's true... I was made for you

    So I agree with those of you who have ccmmented on how powerful this song is, it made a big difference in my life. (and still does). Other thoughts ? F
    Franklin0327on January 28, 2011   Link
    • 3 Replies
  • +2
    General Commenti couldn't agree with you more Benson. she sings with such conviction...its powerful. reminds me of a modern melissa etheridge.
    lezzynezzyon April 07, 2007   Link
  • +2
    General CommentThis song is about being with the right person in this point in your life , that person that nows how fuck up your life have been And that person was there for you and even though you have a bunch of scars of all those moments and some scars will never fade and even though you hide them you know you are fuck up for life , but you're happy to have someone to tell everything and feel save knowing that your heart is in safe hands and although you are broken you are with the most important person in your world. ...
    jefferson49on April 06, 2016   Link
  • +2
    General CommentBrandi sings about the irony of her sadness, despite her apparent success. There is one in her life though, that understands her - and this song is for her.
    jadeiaon June 06, 2016   Link
  • +1
    General CommentBrandi's voice is definitely the best I've heard. And her songwriting is absolutely amazing, but, this song was not written by Brandi Carlile. It was written by one of the twins in her band, Phil Hanseroth, and he should get the credit he deserves. It's an amazing song, and Brandi's vocals just add the perfect finish.

    Brandi Carlile and Tim and Phil Hanseroth are an unstobbable trio at their writing. I suggest buying The Story, and their debut, Brandi Carlile.
    morethanmelodyon September 16, 2007   Link
  • +1
    Song MeaningI think that she's singing to her audience about her song(s). The so-called 'clichéd' lines have a different meaning when you look at it like that. You could look at it like a 'love song' to her audience in that context. I think her persona in the song could even be the song / her work itself.
    honolulublueson February 03, 2009   Link
    • 1 Reply
  • +1
    General CommentBrandi Carlile is a lesbian, just to clarify the assumptions being made that this song is about a man that she was/is with.
    brianahbon November 24, 2009   Link
    • 1 Reply
  • +1
    Song MeaningI concur this is a true love story. I agree with all of that idea have said. Except what ClarinetDreamer said because it's not a "he." Brandi Carlile is gay. Always has been. So, it would be a "she".
    omgalezon December 18, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General CommentThe great lie of this song is that the person who has been with you and grown with you-- the person that you were made for-- already knows your stories. And your stories don't mean anything if you can't tell them, and you can't tell them to the person who lived through them with you.
    ASaltyDogon June 15, 2012   Link

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