I'm like a cat in a cage, locked up and battered and bruised
I am the prodigal son, a shameful prodigy too
I am the love of your life, battering ram and confused
I turn each day into night, I stand there waiting for you
There is desire to fight, but I have nothing to prove
With the crowd and some lights, I start to feel things move
Do you have something to hide? 'Cause I think that we all do
I am a child inside, back up and give me some room
I'm just a bastard child, don't let it go to your head
I'm just a waste of your time, maybe I'm better off dead
They turn us loose in the night, a fucking Jekyll and Hyde
We'll have the time of our lives although we're dying inside
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'd rather go it alone
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'm never coming home
Don't start to panic for me, 'cause I have nothing to lose
I am as bright as the sun, I burn up all that I choose
Up on the side of the field I see a city with lights
I touch her face when I kneel, she tells me she's not alive
I am too nervous to run, the kids who scatter and hide
Still reach and grab for someone, but end up buried alive
Her world is waiting for me, a world that I rarely used
I start to feel my feet, they kick down walls as they move
I'm just a bastard child, don't let it go to your head
I'm just a waste of your time, maybe I'm better off dead
They turn us loose in the night, a fucking Jekyll and Hyde
We'll have the time of our lives although we're dying inside
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'd rather go it alone
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'm never coming home
I'm just a bastard child, don't let it go to your head
I'm just a waste of your time, maybe I'm better off dead
They turn us loose in the night, a fucking Jekyll and Hyde
We'll have the time of our lives although we're dying inside
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'd rather go it alone
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'm never coming home
I am the prodigal son, a shameful prodigy too
I am the love of your life, battering ram and confused
I turn each day into night, I stand there waiting for you
There is desire to fight, but I have nothing to prove
With the crowd and some lights, I start to feel things move
Do you have something to hide? 'Cause I think that we all do
I am a child inside, back up and give me some room
I'm just a waste of your time, maybe I'm better off dead
They turn us loose in the night, a fucking Jekyll and Hyde
We'll have the time of our lives although we're dying inside
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'd rather go it alone
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'm never coming home
I am as bright as the sun, I burn up all that I choose
Up on the side of the field I see a city with lights
I touch her face when I kneel, she tells me she's not alive
I am too nervous to run, the kids who scatter and hide
Still reach and grab for someone, but end up buried alive
Her world is waiting for me, a world that I rarely used
I start to feel my feet, they kick down walls as they move
I'm just a waste of your time, maybe I'm better off dead
They turn us loose in the night, a fucking Jekyll and Hyde
We'll have the time of our lives although we're dying inside
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'd rather go it alone
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'm never coming home
I'm just a waste of your time, maybe I'm better off dead
They turn us loose in the night, a fucking Jekyll and Hyde
We'll have the time of our lives although we're dying inside
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'd rather go it alone
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'm never coming home
Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.
I have been going to songmeanings for a few years now but have only posted a few times but theres a lot about this song that I want to share.
From the first time I heard this song I had to have it on repeat, it was something that literally made sit still and just listen to the music. I am 20 and have gone through a lot in the previous years, well this song was something that seems to put all my troubles and anxiety to song.
The line "I am the prodigal son, a shameful prodigy too" was quite powerful to me. After high school I entered into a top tier university in California (will not be named) and a lot of family hope was placed on me. My brother graduated from the same school and is now a successful engineer and the same (even more so since I have had higher grades in high school) was expected of me and it just blew up in my face. I had manic-depression the whole time I was in school and was just frustrated with everything that was going on in my life (from the demands of school, a failing relationship, lack of motivation). All the anticipation, hope, and issues started building up and I finally just decided to transfer out to a different school, a decision that baffled a lot of people.
This song spoke directly to me. It seems to be about a person whose gone off the "correct road" and yet it is better for them. By taking a risk and abandoning what it is expected of you yet at the same time living with that knot in your stomache. "We'll have the time of our lives although we're dying inside" is an example of this, I am at my new school yet there are moments where I wonder if I made the right decision and wonder if this is right. The anxiety, the frustration and finally the need to go choose your own destiny, regardless of what could happen. Blink-182!
I don't know if you're a fan of 10 Years, but their song 'Fix Me' mirrors your interpretation of this song. It replaced Dry Cell's 'Find A Way' as a personal favorite, until it was usurped by 'Natives'.
I don't know if you're a fan of 10 Years, but their song 'Fix Me' mirrors your interpretation of this song. It replaced Dry Cell's 'Find A Way' as a personal favorite, until it was usurped by 'Natives'.
The prodigy line is probably my favorite too.
The prodigy line is probably my favorite too.
I have a similar story. I'm about to turn 28, but have amounted to nothing to many people's dismay. I graduated at the top of my class in high school, went to college and obtained an Engineering degree that I didn't care about, only doing so because it was expected of me. ...
I have a similar story. I'm about to turn 28, but have amounted to nothing to many people's dismay. I graduated at the top of my class in high school, went to college and obtained an Engineering degree that I didn't care about, only doing so because it was expected of me. There were some weeks in college I absolutely hated and questioned my direction.
I now work a job barely above minimum wage, live with my parents, and waste my time playing videogames, listening to rock, and watching Conan and Futurama. I aspire to be a comedian (or at least have an artistic career of some sort) and can't see myself ever settling for a conventional job. It's not the best life in many people's eyes, and I'm not always happy about all the aspects of it either, but I feel like it is the only way I can truly be myself.
As a person who relates, I wish you luck on your path and hope there comes a day when you and I can look back on our lives an know we made the right decisions.
Thanks for the suggestions, will definitely check those out as well! This is one the reasons I enjoy coming to this site rather than YouTube... People can share personal stories and opinions without getting insulted or trolled (most of the time).
Thanks for the suggestions, will definitely check those out as well! This is one the reasons I enjoy coming to this site rather than YouTube... People can share personal stories and opinions without getting insulted or trolled (most of the time).
I think the song is about fighting growing up.
I think the song is about fighting growing up.
The first verse where he states "I am a child inside, back up and give me some room" is literal and its his inner child that is the voice of the song.
The first verse where he states "I am a child inside, back up and give me some room" is literal and its his inner child that is the voice of the song.
As we grow up we have to work harder to contain it, when it just wants to burst out and take over.
As we grow up we have to work harder to contain it, when it just wants to burst out and take over.
Your story is almost my exact tale, and that's why this song clicks for me. I was the perfect student all my life, got a full ride to the school my sister goes to. Everybody expected me to do amazing things, but I ended up with severe depression and anxiety issues and failing at what everybody thought I'd be. Despite it being difficult to give up everything I changed schools, and within two days of this decision I heard this song and it just made sense. I felt all of it.
Your story is almost my exact tale, and that's why this song clicks for me. I was the perfect student all my life, got a full ride to the school my sister goes to. Everybody expected me to do amazing things, but I ended up with severe depression and anxiety issues and failing at what everybody thought I'd be. Despite it being difficult to give up everything I changed schools, and within two days of this decision I heard this song and it just made sense. I felt all of it.
Hey, so it's been nearly 3 years sinxe my initial post. Wozman23 and hgleason, I don't know if you will ever see this but your stories and sharing experiences have both really helped me and looking back now it was the right decision as I recently graduated and it just felt right.
Hey, so it's been nearly 3 years sinxe my initial post. Wozman23 and hgleason, I don't know if you will ever see this but your stories and sharing experiences have both really helped me and looking back now it was the right decision as I recently graduated and it just felt right.
Wozman23, did you find a path that works for you? hgleason, how did the new school work out? This is if you guys don't me asking, please feel free to send me a message if you want to keep it private or email mddao1290@gmail.com, I...
Wozman23, did you find a path that works for you? hgleason, how did the new school work out? This is if you guys don't me asking, please feel free to send me a message if you want to keep it private or email mddao1290@gmail.com, I really would like to hear your experiences since the original postings and responses to see how far we've come.
@PuppyKillingMachine that's really awesome that you came back to catch up after 3 years!
@PuppyKillingMachine that's really awesome that you came back to catch up after 3 years!
When I first heard this song, I had it on repeat for ages, even now I still repeat it, preferably down the freeway with the windows down :)
When I first heard this song, I had it on repeat for ages, even now I still repeat it, preferably down the freeway with the windows down :)
@PuppyKillingMachine
@PuppyKillingMachine
I just happened to meander over to this page again after having a similar talk with someone, and was surprised to see your 2014 response. Glad I could help, but the feeling is mutual.
I just happened to meander over to this page again after having a similar talk with someone, and was surprised to see your 2014 response. Glad I could help, but the feeling is mutual.
The last few years have kicked my ass. I fought my way for a few promotions at work that ended up giving me a pretty nagging case of anxiety. As a guy who's always been content being single, I recently took a shot on someone - the someone I mentioned earlier who has battled similar anxiety issues that I'm still friendly chatting with - and that...
The last few years have kicked my ass. I fought my way for a few promotions at work that ended up giving me a pretty nagging case of anxiety. As a guy who's always been content being single, I recently took a shot on someone - the someone I mentioned earlier who has battled similar anxiety issues that I'm still friendly chatting with - and that didn't pan out. I hit one of my lowest lows in quite some time.
I've coped with anxiety's effects for the last few years. A few weeks ago I finally decided I'm sick of it. I'm taking a lot better care of myself with what I eat and drink and I'm working out consistently. I feel the best I have since the days of my youth. I feel healthier and more powerful than I ever have. I feel funnier, and more creative - which is where I still direct all of my ambition.
I'm still nowhere near where people would have expected me to be. I still opt to live with my parents because they're great, it's cheaper than living alone, and I can save money to go all in on some of my own personal risks when the time seems right. I still grind it out with a slightly better job now, but it's still not the conventional measure of success. I still have a long way to go, but that chip on my shoulder is much smaller now. I've never been in a better place mentally, or physically, and that is all I could ever ask for.
I hope the same for you.
@PuppyKillingMachine @Wozman23\r\n\r\nI truly hope you both have found fulfilment and are doing something that makes YOU happy.\r\n\r\nShow your parents love and respect, always but do not allow yourselves to he crushed by their expectations. They love you for you. They would rather you were a doctor or NASA technician but they will love you just as much if you become a street cleaner or toilet attendant. \r\n\r\n The worst thing about becoming old, is seeing your parents grow frail and old. Truly, treasure them because they won\'t be around forever and nobody else will show you unconditional love. Tell them...
@PuppyKillingMachine @Wozman23\r\n\r\nI truly hope you both have found fulfilment and are doing something that makes YOU happy.\r\n\r\nShow your parents love and respect, always but do not allow yourselves to he crushed by their expectations. They love you for you. They would rather you were a doctor or NASA technician but they will love you just as much if you become a street cleaner or toilet attendant. \r\n\r\n The worst thing about becoming old, is seeing your parents grow frail and old. Truly, treasure them because they won\'t be around forever and nobody else will show you unconditional love. Tell them you love them because no matter how often you do, there will come a time when you will wish you said it more often. But you must live your own life, not theirs. Be firm but kind. \r\n\r\nNext I would like to tell you both how to become ambitious and achieve fulfilment but.... I don\'t have a clue.\r\n\r\nPeople always tell me, they wish they could be as laid back as me.\r\n\r\nWhat they mean is... "... as laid back as you appear.... "\r\n\r\nApparently nothing troubles me but it does. I tell them I am like a Swan. I may appear to glide but what you dont see, is me paddling like crazy under the surface. \r\n\r\nI just don\'t know what to focus on. I have the fight within me and the determination to do anything I aim for. I just don\'t know what that thing is.\r\n\r\nIt\'s so frustrating because I am quite a bit older than you and every tick of the clock makes the decision harder.\r\n\r\nI am from the UK and was top of the class until I was about 11, then I just did what I had to do to pass exams.\r\n\r\nI got a degree and my folks were thrilled. But fast forward and I\'m earning minimum wage in a job that bores me (although I have had worse jobs)\r\n.\r\n\r\nSo yeah, if i could buy "ambition" then I would save up till I had enough for some.\r\n\r\nHope you guys find every happiness. Don\'t end up like me.
So far this is my favorite song from the album, as I identify with a lot of the lyrics.
To me it's about a person questioning their way of life and the choices they have made, and wondering if their lack of maturity or ambition has been self-destructive or negatively affected others. Ultimately they choose to continue living they way they want to, regardless.
I think the song is about fighting growing up.
The first verse where he states "I am a child inside, back up and give me some room" is literal and its his inner child that is the voice of the song.
As we grow up we have to work harder to contain it, when it just wants to burst out and take over.
prodigal son is an allusion to a parable from the Bible. In the parable, the youngest son of a well-off man takes his share of the inheritance early, leaves home, and spends it extravagantly. A famine strikes and the prodigal son begins to starve, but realizes that his father has enough to feed his peasants and then some. He returns home and asks forgiveness from his father; his father accepts him warmly. the singer claims that he is a "shameful prodigy too" because he refuses to return home after leaving.
The singer needs feels the need to develope and experience the world on his own. His feelings toward home are very negative.
In the second verse, when he arrives at the city, he finds himself having trouble finding his niche in this new environment. Alone, he needs someone to help him, someone to lean on, but fears it would defeat the purpose of leaving home--the need for independence. It would send him back to square one; "To reach and grab for someone, but end up buried alive" However, he soon finds his footing and is able to overcome obstacles and make progress with his life; "I start to feel my feet/ they kick down walls as they move"
@vanessabeleno I up voted your comment. But wouldn\'t the returning son also be the one with the shame?
@vanessabeleno I up voted your comment. But wouldn\'t the returning son also be the one with the shame?
I think that this and kaleidoscope are the 2 two best songs on the new album by far. saw them in concert and they played this. I almost splooged
I love this song. I'm gonna say it is my favorite song on the CD (I know it is early to say that) but it is the song I keep putting on when I go into my car. I love the lines
"There is desire to fight, but I have nothing to prove" basically meaning I still have the fire in me, but you're not worth my fist. I can only go down from here and I rather stay on top.
I also love "They turn us loose in the night, a fucking Jekyll and Hyde" but I wont explain it bc it is too simple to grasp and I don't want to insult anyone reading this.
"we'll have the time of our lives, even though we're dying inside"
maybe some1 has a habit that's self-destructive?
"we'll have the time of our lives, even though we're dying inside"
maybe some1 has a habit that's self-destructive?
From the CD leaf:
I'm like a cat in a cage, locked up and battered and bruised I am the prodigal son, a shameful prodigy too I am the love of your life, battering ram and confused I turn each day into night, I stand there waiting for you There is desire to fight, but I have nothing to prove But with a crowd and some lights, I start to feel things move Do you have something to hide, cause I think that we all do I am a child inside, back up and give me some room
I'm just a bastard child, don't let it go to your head I'm just a waste of your time, maybe I'm better off dead You turn us loose in the night, I'm fucking Jekyll and Hyde We'll have the time of our lives, although we're dying inside
So let me go, I'd rather go it alone So let me go, I'm never coming home
Don't start to panic for me, cause I have nothing to lose I am as bright as the sun, I burn up all that I choose Upon the side of a field I see a city with lights I touch her face and I kneel, she tells me she's not alive I am too nervous to run, like kids who scatter and hide To reach and grab for someone, but end up buried alive A world is waiting for me, a road that I rarely use I start to feel my feet, they kick down walls as they move
we are having the time of our lives even though were dying inside means not nesserly self distruction but more like we are living our dream while we still feel depressed about life in general and genral stuff