Lyric discussion by Contri_Alumini 

Cover art for Shine lyrics by Plain White T's

I think this song is about some person close to him i.e. example:

you know it tears me up inside to see the feelings that you hide hide inside that empty bottle I wish you saw how great you were I wish you saw what life was worth you wouldn't have to hide your problems (about his friend who obviously depressed and must have some sort of drinking problem)

and I don't care what you might think I think you've had to much to drink cant even talk when you're this way runaway, runaway but that won't make it any better runaway, runaway and make tomorrow harder to live than today (This part sounds like its about them talking. It seems like they are drunk again to the point of where they cant talk. Then hes trying to tell them they are just running away from their problems. And it seems like everyday their life is just getting harder.)

there's so much out there you could miss there's so much life out there to live if you would just believe in yourself there's a bright light shining inside you it shines out through your eyes don't throw it away, don't be afraid don't hide let it shine (This part is most likely about how he telling them they are missing out on life. How they have so much life to live if you'd just reach out and grab it.)

you say you're looking for happiness but when is comes, you runaway from it you tell yourself you don't deserve it there's so much more that i could do now the rest is up to you until you love yourself, you'll never change you'll keep on running until you deal with today (Now this part is about how this person always finds happiness but throws it away constantly as if they are afraid of it. Hes just like I cant help you with with this you gotta solve your own problems. And if they wanna change they are gonna have to love themselves and solve there problems)

Well thats just my opinion