So this has been.my favorite song of OTEP's since it came out in 2004, and I always thought it was a song about a child's narrative of suffering in an abusive Christian home. But now that I am revisiting the lyrics, I am seeing something totally new.
This song could be gospel of John but from the perspective of Jesus.
Jesus was NOT having a good time up to and during the crucifixion. Everyone in the known world at the time looked to him with fear, admiration or disgust and he was constantly being asked questions. He spoke in "verses, prophesies and curses". He had made an enemy of the state, and believed the world was increasingly wicked and fallen from grace, or that he was in the "mouth of madness".
The spine of atlas is the structure that allows the titan to hold the world up. Jesus challenged the state and in doing so became a celebrated resistance figure. It also made him public enemy #1.
All of this happened simply because he was doing his thing, not because of any agenda he had or strategy.
And then he gets scourged (storm of thorns)
There are some plot holes here but I think it's an interesting interpretation.
You need someone to hold you
You need somethin' that you ain't been getting
Yeah, I could be the one
To tell you what to do, but it don't mean nothing
And you're holding on forever
But that something just ain't true
I'm just like you
And I know
It's what I'd do
Here I go
Cause I couldn't stop the world, cause I loved you
I couldn't stop the world, and I don't want to
I couldn't stop the world, and I won't
Cause it ain't enough
You had another bad day
You let me know that you just can't take it
I've given up on you
You live in truth and I know I can't fake it
Cause the stars you see on dirty sidewalks
And they ain't for wishin', ooh
They don't come true
And I know, it's what I'd do
Here I go
Cause I couldn't stop the world, 'cause I loved you
I couldn't stop the world, and I don't want to
I couldn't stop the world, and I won't
Cause it ain't enough
Am I too young for the world?
I'm not too young for the world
And I can't change for the world
(I don't need to stop the world)
'Cause I don't care for the world
(I'm too young, I'm too young)
I don't make sense to the world
(I don't need to stop the world)
(I'm too young, I'm too young)
You need somethin' that you ain't been getting
Yeah, I could be the one
To tell you what to do, but it don't mean nothing
And you're holding on forever
But that something just ain't true
I'm just like you
And I know
It's what I'd do
Here I go
Cause I couldn't stop the world, cause I loved you
I couldn't stop the world, and I don't want to
I couldn't stop the world, and I won't
Cause it ain't enough
You had another bad day
You let me know that you just can't take it
I've given up on you
You live in truth and I know I can't fake it
Cause the stars you see on dirty sidewalks
And they ain't for wishin', ooh
They don't come true
And I know, it's what I'd do
Here I go
Cause I couldn't stop the world, 'cause I loved you
I couldn't stop the world, and I don't want to
I couldn't stop the world, and I won't
Cause it ain't enough
Am I too young for the world?
I'm not too young for the world
And I can't change for the world
(I don't need to stop the world)
'Cause I don't care for the world
(I'm too young, I'm too young)
I don't make sense to the world
(I don't need to stop the world)
(I'm too young, I'm too young)
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Ave Grave
Thee More Shallows
Thee More Shallows
when rules change
Life in Your Way
Life in Your Way
High life
Battle Royale
Word Alive, The
Word Alive, The
This song is def a twin to "Unfair" (a song she has been quoted as saying is about falling in love with someone who is already in a relationship) so it is presumably about the same person. Given the references to buying an apartment and not being able to see her love interest "after tonight," it's most likely that she's moving away and she'll "wait a day to break the bad news" (i.e. notifying him that she's leaving once she's already gone).
And, of course, the fact that she sees in him a fellow "idealist" and "dreamer" (terms commonly given to people with the INFP personality on the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)) portends that she'll always be left wondering if they would've been perfect together.
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
I love this song, one of my favourites by the Goo's.
You feel you love someone so much you'd do anything for them, stop the world in this case and stop all of the things that are hurting them. But in the long run you know it really won't solve anything or help. The person in question just complains too much and you're fed up with trying to 'stop the world' just to please them. They just have to learn to deal with the shit that comes their way.
@sleepflower I don't think this person ever tries. The statements are narcissistic and contradicting. As if the person was hurt at some point, broken, and just gave up...unfortunately you still go along with it all because fitting in is still important in this/their world.
ahhhhhh this song is AMAZING!!! at first i was like wtf type of goo goo dolls song is this??? (as in "opposite of iris") but its still got the same heart as their recent stuff... i could stop the world cuz i love you.... sigh.
its probably about a guy that would do anything for this girl..even stop the world..but it "wouldnt be enough" maybe b/c hes too young or she doesnt think hes right for her.."Im not too young for the world and i cant change for the world"... but none the less w/e it means i LOVE it!!! stay goo peace
wait, so at first you didn't like this song when you first heard it because it wasn't like "iris"? this song is exactly what the goo goo dolls are...or were...before they went mainstream. this song was from more than 10 years ago. it's people like you that annoy me. but a goo fan is a goo fan, so i'm just going to shut up. =)
I've never commented on any songs before, but upon seeing this song had so few remarks I had to jump in. This is my favorite tune off of Superstar Car Wash. I actually feel as though Johnny is right by me singing this song, the vocals, the lyrics, everything about this song is beautiful. =]
"Cause' the stars you see on a dirty sidewalk, and they ain't polished and new."
*are on a dirty sidewalk
Ah, typos.