Don't Be There

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The song is "Don't Be There" by Switchfoot, one of the most notable Christian bands out there right now. The song is not what most would expect: it has little to do with "Christian things," but everything to do with human sensitivities. John Foreman (lead singer/songwriter for the band) wrote this about a friend who he lost contact with, but loved anyway.

They had a pretty big falling out, and there's a lot of pain in the lyrics, but a deeper love. In fact, the song hurts because of the love. You can just feel it there. So. Here are the lyrics.

"Don't be there,
don't be there,
'cuz I'm on my way.
And I'm already gone
over
and I'm on my way.

I can't recall myself
how I went down.
Did I get shot
or shoot myself?

I'm down here.
I'm down here,
and you're way up there.
That doesn't hurt
(badly)
but it stings right here

I can't recall myself
how I went down.
Did I get shot,
or shoot myself?

I won't pretend there's nothing there.
You be around, and I'll be square.
Don't be alarmed if I'm not there.
You be around, and I'll be square.

If you're a rose,
then I'm the thorn
that's in your side.
And does it hurt
badly,
'cuz it burns right here.

I can't recall myself
how I went down.
Did I get shot,
or shoot myself?

I'd like to say 'Hello.'
I'd like to say 'I care.'
I'd like to let you know
that nothing here's the same with me,
that nothing here's the same.

I can't recall myself
how I went down.
Did I get shot,
or shoot myself?

I won't pretend there's nothing there.
You be around, and I'll be square.
Don't be alarmed if I'm not there.
You be around, and I'll be square.
Don't be around,
don't be there.
Don't be there."

The conflict is real, the pain is genuine, the song is "Don't Be There."

Another insight into me through my love of music.

-brian