“So Far Away” by Staind, released in 2003, is a heartfelt song about personal growth, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. The lyrics explore themes of overcoming past struggles and embracing a more positive outlook on life, resonating with listeners who have experienced transformation and healing.
The song reflects on the distance between past hardships and present-day strength, emphasizing self-forgiveness and hope.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“So Far Away” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
This is my life
It’s not what it was before
All these feelings I’ve shared
And these are my dreams
That I’d never lived before
Somebody shake me, ’cause I
I must be sleeping
The first verse introduces the narrator’s new perspective on life. They’ve experienced a significant change, sharing feelings and dreams they never had before. The line “Somebody shake me, ’cause I must be sleeping” suggests disbelief at their positive transformation, as if it’s too good to be true.
[Chorus]
And now that we’re here, it’s so far away
All the struggle we thought was in vain
And all the mistakes one life contained
They all finally start to go away
And now that we’re here, it’s so far away
And I feel like I can face the day
And I can forgive, and I’m not ashamed
To be the person that I am today
The chorus is the emotional core of the song. “So far away” refers to the distance between their past struggles and their current state. It acknowledges that past difficulties and mistakes are finally fading, allowing the narrator to face each day with newfound strength. The lyrics express a sense of forgiveness and self-acceptance, emphasizing personal growth.
[Verse 2]
And these are my words
That I’ve never said before
I think I’m doing okay
And this is the smile
That I’ve never shown before
Somebody shake me ’cause I
I must be sleeping
This verse continues the theme of transformation. The narrator is expressing themselves in new ways, saying things they’ve never said before and showing a smile that’s unfamiliar. Again, there’s a sense of disbelief in this positive change.
[Bridge]
I’m so afraid of waking
Please don’t shake me
Afraid of waking
Please don’t shake me
The bridge reveals vulnerability and fear. The narrator is afraid of “waking up,” suggesting they’re worried this positive state might be temporary or illusory. It reflects the anxiety that can accompany significant personal growth and change.
Deeper Meaning Behind “So Far Away”
“So Far Away” by Staind is a deeply introspective song that explores themes of personal growth, self-acceptance, and overcoming past struggles. The song reflects on the journey of transformation and the realization that one has come a long way from their previous hardships.
The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has undergone significant changes in their life, acknowledging that their current state is far removed from their past. The narrator expresses a sense of disbelief at their own progress, feeling as if they must be dreaming and needing someone to “shake” them awake. This metaphor illustrates the surreal nature of personal growth and the difficulty in accepting positive changes in one’s life.
The chorus of the song serves as a powerful affirmation of the narrator’s journey. It speaks to the distance they’ve traveled from their past struggles, both emotionally and metaphorically. The phrase “so far away” is repeated, emphasizing the significant progress made and the newfound ability to face each day with renewed strength and self-forgiveness. This repetition underscores the transformative nature of the narrator’s experience and the sense of relief that comes with moving beyond past mistakes and difficulties.
Throughout the song, there’s a recurring theme of self-discovery and embracing one’s true self. The narrator speaks of sharing feelings they’ve never expressed before and showing a smile they’ve never revealed, indicating a newfound openness and authenticity. This suggests that the process of personal growth has allowed them to become more genuine and comfortable with who they are.
Ultimately, “So Far Away” resonates with listeners as a testament to the power of perseverance and self-reflection. It offers a message of hope, suggesting that no matter how difficult past struggles may have been, it’s possible to overcome them and find peace with oneself. The song’s enduring popularity and its success on rock charts demonstrate its ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level, offering comfort and inspiration to those on their own journeys of personal growth and self-acceptance.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.