I'm the setting sun behind the trees, the saddest one you've seen
I've been burning holes and breaking dreams, and I regret it
I'm fixing things I've broken, it's not as easy as it used to be
I'm throwing temper tantrums, I used to settle, but now I make a scene

You can't believe

I said I'd never walk away, but I'm not able to stay
I said I'd never leave this place, but I can't stay here
To watch you fade and watch you change into someone I can't face
I can't replace, I can't replace you

You're the swirling wind above the sea, the maddest storm they've seen
Now you're breaking waves and smashing dreams, and you can't help it
You're drowning streets and stranding a million people, you're starting out with me
You're crashing down from anger, your stuff is settled and now you're sound asleep

And so serene

I said I'd never walk away, but I'm not able to stay
I said I'd never leave this place, but I can't stay here
To watch you fade and watch you change into someone I can't face
I can't replace, I can't replace you

And when the sun is down and when the skies are calm you'll see, calm will be
Wait for the cycle, we'll repeat our same mistakes
(Same mistakes) the same mistakes we've always made

I said I'd never walk away, but I'm not able to stay
I said I'd never leave this place, but I can't stay here
To watch you fade and watch you change into someone I can't face
I can't replace, I can't replace you

I said I'd never walk away, but I'm not able to stay
I said I'd never leave this place, but I can't stay here
To watch you fade and watch you change into someone I can't face
I can't replace, I can't replace you

I said I'd never walk away


Lyrics submitted by j0hn0b

Replace You Lyrics as written by Shane Told

Lyrics © THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC.

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Replace You song meanings
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3 Comments

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  • +2
    General Comment

    This is an absolutely amazing song. I can't believe there aren't any comments on it yet!

    This song is obviously about a relationship that has been rocky all along, and now it has gotten to the point where they just can't fix it. And even though he said he would never leave her, times have changed, and he must leave her, for she is no longer the girl she was when the relationship started. And while they can no longer stand to be by each others side, they long for each other and what they once had. They would inevitably cross paths over the years, and wish for it to be like it used to be even though it never will be again.

    JStevens09on February 11, 2011   Link
  • 0
    My Opinion

    Also, there's a great reference to "When Broke is Easily Fixed" at the 3rd line. Seems like a follow up song.

    j0hn0bon May 24, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I think he has started to deteriorate as a person because of the situation he's put himself in and he's acknowledging it. He doesn't want to walk away from the relationship, but they are bringing out the worst in each other.

    InquiringMindson September 28, 2012   Link

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