This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
When I was younger I did not know how to be.
I lived my own lie and I never asked the question why.
I always talked and dressed like everyone 'round me.
Where were my own view and my own thoughts?
I didn't have a clue. Insecurity, no confidence that's my style.
I did some false things, you'd say I was playing the wrong strings.
To realize and see how lost I was, it took a while.
But it was worth it 'cause now I'm much more confident and fit.
I'm not going down the highway,
'cause I had the might to stop and turn around before it was too late.
Instead I'm slowly going my way and if I don't reach the top,
I still got lots right here I appreciate.
Just because I'm older now does not mean I'm complete.
Yeah, I still have got fear, it's not as strong but it's still here.
And I'm confused at times, but now I know where to put my feet.
Right in my own trail, that's the only place if I don't wanna fail.
I lived my own lie and I never asked the question why.
I always talked and dressed like everyone 'round me.
Where were my own view and my own thoughts?
I didn't have a clue. Insecurity, no confidence that's my style.
I did some false things, you'd say I was playing the wrong strings.
To realize and see how lost I was, it took a while.
But it was worth it 'cause now I'm much more confident and fit.
I'm not going down the highway,
'cause I had the might to stop and turn around before it was too late.
Instead I'm slowly going my way and if I don't reach the top,
I still got lots right here I appreciate.
Just because I'm older now does not mean I'm complete.
Yeah, I still have got fear, it's not as strong but it's still here.
And I'm confused at times, but now I know where to put my feet.
Right in my own trail, that's the only place if I don't wanna fail.
Lyrics submitted by SeanConnery
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no mater what millencolin always makes me feel like i can relate to each song booyah wooo
This song's about someone who was very insecure about themselves for a long time, and therefore was a "follower". Now that this person has grown, he's realizing that it's much better to lead than follow. He was able to turn his life around before it was too late. To me this is Millencolin's best.
Great song! Most people can relate - at some point, we were all just going with the flow, trying to fit in, but then somewhere along the line you acquire the confidence to be yourself.
This is everyone who's gone to public school! We all just wanted to fit in, wear the trendy shit. I think that once he/us realized being ourselves is way more important than what they (kids/corporations) tell us, he is way better off. And we can be unique from the squares that long to fit in and never think for themselves. We're much more confident and fit!
public schools???? hahah rriittee.. this song is awesomee.. but i dnt c wat it has 2 do with public schools..
Great song. What I love most about it is how the chorus get's expanded every time. First it's naked, then they're singing "I'm not go---ing ..." and the last time "I'n not going, I'm not going, I'm not going, OI OI OI!" great.
Ive been listenin to this this album for years and just today I listened to the lyrics and thought wow this is me. Me n this girl friend I have along with my mates have been talking about how we hate people that follow trends, we get picked on as the minority but we dont care coz we know were indivduals.
Great song