Some Nights

Some people here have some pretty bizarre interpretations of this song, but I guess it's cool that it can touch people in different ways.

After listening to the song a number of times, I came here to see the lyrics. And it's pretty obvious that this song is entirely about the writer and his conflicted feelings about being a touring musician, seeking fame, but missing love in his life. He left a girl behind, as well as his family, and he's not sure if it's worth all the trouble, even though it comes with some great perks.

Some highlights:

Some nights, I wish that my lips could build a castle Some nights, I wish they'd just fall off

(At times he wants to break through to super-stardom, other times he wishes the whole music career would implode so that he can go home and live a normal life.)

But I still wake up, I still see your ghost Oh Lord, I'm still not sure, what I stand for

(He's haunted by the memory of the girl he left behind. He thought that by leaving her behind and seeking fame he would find his purpose in life, but that hasn't happened.)

This is it, boys, this is war, what are we waiting for? Why don't we break the rules already?

(The music business is a vicious competition. He's sometimes very enthusiastic about trying to succeed, but they're trying to make it by using all the old boring techniques like touring and giving interviews. He thinks they need to differentiate themselves in some new creative ways.)

I was never one to believe the hype, Save that for the black and white I try twice as hard and I'm half as liked, But here they come again to jack my style

(His band sometimes get great reviews which he tries to live up to, but then the next review comes out worse. Despite this, he sees others copying him, trying to capitalize on his successes.)

When I see stars, when I see stars, that's all they are When I hear songs, they sound like a swan

(Most people are amazed by the hypnotizing beauty of the stars in the night sky, but he feels that way by listening to music.)

Well that is it, guys, that is all, five minutes in and I'm bored again Ten years of this, I'm not sure if anybody understands

(He's having trouble keeping up his enthusiasm for performances. He doesn't feel like the audience is getting what he's trying to say.)

My heart is breaking for my sister and the con that she called "love" But when I look into my nephew's eyes, Man you wouldn't believe, the most amazing things, that can come from, Some terrible nights (some think he says 'lie', it's not clear)

(His sister is going through a divorce, but despite all that pain, the relationship gave her a wonderful son, and he's amazed by that apparent contradiction.)

The other night, you wouldn't believe the dream I just had about you and me I called you up, but we'd both agree It's for the best you didn't listen It's for the best we get our distance, oh

(Here he goes back to talking about the girl he left behind. He had begged her to come visit him, but she doesn't want that kind of relationship and thinks they need to stay apart to heal from the breakup.)