Story Behind The Song
The song was written about a year and a half after Sept. 11th, when our government and military arrogantly started creating enemies throughout the world because of it's aggressive nature, and imperialistic ways.
Song Description
An acoustic intro leads into a full band sound in this slower but hooky ballad about war, aggression, and arrogance. Tastefully produced, the song feature wonderful yet simple musical undertones with unique instrumentation (electric sitar with an e-bow). The vocals are straightforward with no harmonies, and the melody sticks in your head.
| Song Length |
4:17 |
Genre |
Folk - Alternative, Pop - General |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Poignant, Disconcerted |
Subject |
War, Arrogance |
| Similar Artists |
Wilco, Matchbox Twenty |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Why - Craig Maierhofer
Verse 1
Let me hold my head up
Hold my head up high
Let me breathe some air
And clear my eyes
Cause I won?t give and I won?t let up
And you ask why?
Freedom is my fortune
Freedom is my soul
And even when I?m young
And I am old
You?re cheating me cause I?ve come
Too far in what I know
Chorus
C?mon and open your eyes
And see what I see
Cause you?ll never change
And you?ll never be
And they can take you along
For the ride of it all
Even if you?re strong
And you?re true, and stand tall
Like paper
They?re tearing your faith in it all
Verse 2
Why do you have to make me
Make me so absurd?
Why do you have to breathe
A single word?
Didn?t take too long to break me
Once everybody heard
Why do you have to keep them
Keep them to the ground?
Why do you have to make
A single sound?
Didn?t mama always tell you
That?s why they come around?
Chorus