There's a lot that I don't know
There's a lot that I'm still learning
But I think I'm letting go
To find my body is still burning
And you hold me down
And you got me living in the past
Come on and pick me up
Somebody clear the wreckage from the blast

[Chorus]
And I'm alive
And I don't need a witness
To know that I survived
I'm not looking for forgiveness
I just need light
I need light in the dark as I search for the resolution

And the bars are finally closed
So I try living in the moment
'Til the moment it just froze
And I felt sick and so alone
I can hear the sound
Of your voice still ringing in my ear
I'm going underground
But you'll find me anywhere I feel

[Chorus]

I need light in the dark as I search for the resolution

You hold me down
You hold me down
I'm alive
And I don't need a witness
To know that I survived
I'm not looking for forgiveness

[Chorus]

I need light in the dark as I search for the resolution
I need light, I need light


Lyrics submitted by neocassady

The Resolution Lyrics as written by Andrew Ross Mcmahon

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

The Resolution song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

28 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +1
    General Comment

    This song obviously alludes to Andrew's bout with leukemia "I survived", "I'm alive", etc. But it also has a universal theme to it, about finding inner-peace, that you can't live in the past, but it is tough to sometimes keep living, but it will get better. You will find the "light in the dark". This reminds me of "Watch the Sky" the bonus track off of Something Corporate's North.

    It also reminds me of this quote by Andrew that I have part of on my facebook: "The sun rose for all of us today but for me it meant more than most sunrises of my near 24 years. It meant that this year had past and a new one had begun. It meant that the wires were undone and the scars were just scars and yes; that it's time to move on. In this year I have seen dark places and I have seen some places flooded with light that I never knew existed. I have walked to the door of death and never felt more alive and I have learned something that is inherent whether we chose to live knowing it or not. That we are just pieces of this crazy universe, floating through space like every other piece of this crazy universe. You don't have to push or pull or fight or win, the struggle is illusory. Sometimes or rather, all times, you just have to be. I am doing my best to be and today it occurs to me that in being I have been very lucky."

    Fantastic song writing by McMahon along with Bloodshot and Miss California, and I can not wait for TGP's official release.

    worthy_of_sevenon August 07, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I see the cancer connection but from the second I heard this song, I thought it was a break-up song. Parting with someone you really care about and knowing the pain is so heavy but that you can get through it. An optimistic song.

    There's a lot that I don't know There's a lot that I'm still learning (about a girl) But I think I'm letting go To find my body is still burning (he tells himself he is over her but still finds himself not able to let her go) And you hold me down And you got me living in the past (She keeps reminding him of what they used to be) Come on and pick me up Somebody clear the wreckage from the blast (He doesn't mind living in the past as long as he is happy and ignoring the present)

    And I'm alive And I don't need a witness (I always thought it said "And I don't need to WIN THIS, which makes more sense in that he is ok with the breakup and being the one who is broken because he knows that he will survive) To know that I survived I'm not looking for forgiveness I just need light I need light in the dark as I search for the resolution (As long as he get some sort of closure he knows he will be ok)

    And the bars are finally closed So I try living in the moment (He can't drink away the present) 'Til the moment it just froze And I felt sick and so alone (Being sober makes him realize how lonely he is) I can hear the sound Of your voice still ringing in my ear I'm going underground But you'll find me anywhere I feel (He wants to escape her but can't, obviously)

    sunnyauroraon August 14, 2008   Link
  • +1
    Memory

    Okay, I have a story to tell. I first heard this song a long time ago, loved it, then basically forgot all about it until I caught the end of the video on TV. Then I kind of forgot about it again until I was reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer and this song jumped into my head. I couldn't get it out of my head and I started to realize how well it applies to the book. The more I read, the more it made sense, so it became like my own little theme song while I read it. Then one day I did a search for the lyrics and Stephenie Meyer's name caught my eye somewhere on the screen. I was like, whoa, maybe somebody else out there had the same thought, so I did another search and discovered the Stephenie Meyer directed the music video. This to me was the hugest coincidence, I still can't get over it. What are the chances that she was involved with this song and this is the song my mind decided to attach to this book, knowing nothing about the connection? It also makes me wonder how much more they have to do with each other, if the book inspired the song or vice versa. So to anyone who's read this book, think about it... it just works.

    KannD86on April 01, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I don't see how these are apparently incorrect. Regardless this song is soo amazing. I have it on repeat right now. Cant wait for TGP :)

    milk23on August 06, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Fantastic! ^^,

    ikolssson August 06, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This song is absolutely stunning, I haven't stopped listening to it. I have a few thoughts as to what it may be about, but it could be taken in a number of different ways. Either way, I love it and can't wait for TGP! :D

    inflightradioon August 06, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I have it on repeat also milk23, I've listened to it like 20 times already. It's great, fantastic, amazing, not enough words to explain it! I think it does have to do with his cancer though.

    "FUCK CANCER!"

    whereisyourboyyyon August 07, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I have it on repeat also milk23, I've listened to it like 20 times already. It's great, fantastic, amazing, not enough words to explain it! I think it does have to do with his cancer though.

    "FUCK CANCER!"

    whereisyourboyyyon August 07, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I agree with you worthy_of_seven. I first heard this and the chorus made me think of him getting over his cancer. I also love the song "Watch The Sky", even though it is a bonus track, it is one of my favorites off of North.

    This song is beautifully written, as is all of Andrew's song. I've been listening to this song, as have everybody. I can't wait for the TGP release. It's great he's giving us EP's for the wait because we are all so anxious for this release.

    Great song.

    MCSmateon August 09, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    i think it's about being trying to be independent and trying to let go of past problems and finally being at peace

    i dont know hah. i love this song :]

    heykid123on August 15, 2008   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
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
In regards to the meaning of this song: Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.” That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere. In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Album art
When We Were Young
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Album art
Blue
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Album art
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.