Don't give me answers for I would refuse
"yes" is a word for which I have no use
And I wasn't looking for heaven or hell
Just someone to listen to stories I tell

Now what is a blessing and what is a dream
Caught between portraits and none's what it seems
And why is it people expect there's a change
When I feel I'm a part of something I can't see
I feel the same

Now don't ask me questions or I will retreat
Fame is a cancer and ego its seed
Now I wasn't looking for heaven or hell
Just someone to listen to stories I tell

Do we ever wonder?
And do you ever care...

Subtle salvation in poems we know
Hiding our heads in a shadow of home
Now I wasn't looking for wreaths or for bells
Just someone to listen to stories I tell
Stories I tell


Lyrics submitted by rabidpenguin

Stories I Tell Lyrics as written by Glen Phillips Dean Dinning

Lyrics © THE ADMINISTRATION MP, INC.

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Stories I Tell song meanings
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    General Comment

    Glenn mentioned in some interviews about how his songs were "notes to himself", during struggles with depression; it's possible that in private he's not that extroverted - he doesn't want the attention, he considers "fame a a cancer, and ego it's seed". He's tried to avoid the ego part - he just wants his music to mean something to us. Songs beyond "walk on the ocean" for instance are deeply introspective, personal, spiritual.. some are just silly, but wonderful still.

    orbitnon November 12, 2015   Link

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