Tin Man

Future Islands

You couldn't possibly know how much you meant to me
You couldn't honestly look inside my tarot
You couldn't possibly find it in your heart to forgive me
You are the savage sun and scarecrow

And time goes by
And you've got a lot to learn, in your life
And the heart's not inside
And I've got to find the one that's just right

You offer all amends in hopes of saving me
You never imagined I could be strong without you
You offer me a branch of peace that bleeds through
The thorns that welcomed me now speak truth

And time goes by
And you've got a lot to learn, in your life
And the heart's not inside
And I've got to find the one that's just right

And time goes by
And you've got a lot to learn, in your life
And the heart's not inside
And I've got to find the one that's just right
Find the one that's just right

I am the Tin Man
I am the Tin Man
I am the Tin Man
I am the Tin Man
I am the Tin Man
I am the Tin Man


Lyrics submitted by tricktricky, edited by fendie, Dialys

Tin Man [Extended Version; Version] Lyrics as written by Samuel Thompson Herring John Gerrit Welmers

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Tin Man song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

5 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +1
    My Interpretation

    the art of a good song is it can mean anything to anyone..to me this is about getting hurt by someone that doesnt love you but wants to still be close..but you cant. "You couldn't possibly know how much you meant to me.You couldn't honestly look inside my tarot (future)You couldn't possibly find it in your heart to forgive me (for not being able to stay close)You are the savage sun (hurtful) and scarecrow (opposite character of the tin man..no brains)

    The time goes by and you've got a lot to learn..tells me the person the song is about is innocent / immature in life. "the hearts not inside..i gotta find the one thats just right" means you dont love me (heart = love) i have to find someone that will (tin man is looking for a heart or LOVE)

    You offer all amends in hopes of saving me (the person wants to stay close thinking life if better w' them) You never imagined I could be strong without you (exactly what it says..) You offer me a branch of peace that bleeds through (these people fight a lot) The thorns that welcomed me — now speak truth (the branch of peace hurts too much to take)

    I am the tin man (looking for love)

    Sauceyon August 03, 2011   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
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Album art
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him. There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Album art
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Page
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.