Story Behind The Song

Ryan went through a period around 2004 where he was writing quite a few slow songs. Matthew, getting tired of only hearing slow songs, encouraged Ryan to write something upbeat and with a great groove. Ryan wrote Sobering Lights that afternoon but intended it to be a little bit of a slap in the face for Matthew because it was a simple progression and Matthew usually appreciates intricate pieces of music. The band loved it and adopted it soon after. Matthew later added the bridge.

Song Description

The character in the story of the song is sitting in a bar, watching a past love dance with another guy. He is jealous, but more regretful than anything. As he stis and watches, he goes through many stages of denial, loss, and anger.

Lyrics

Chorus
Don?t stop now?I lose myself when the
music starts to play. I?m all yours but I don?t
know why?

Come and find yourself tonight all the things
in this world but I can?t shake the feeling, I?m
alone.
She remembers when he said, ?I would love
you more than life.?
But I can?t turn back the meaning and do it all
over again.
Funny how it comes back to the times you
thought you would never believe but you
carelessly sing about her as if the world is all
you thought you?d want to be

Chorus
Don?t stop now?I lose myself when the
music starts to play.
I saw her there!
I know that I?ve been wandering all my life.
?Oh no!? I mercilessly gather myself around
her heart.
I love her still, but I I don't know why.

Then I see her face. So many times it?s
changed but the meaning remains what she
said she wanted me to see.
Then I wonder why so many times we tried
but it comes up and comes up then I say, ?I
lied, love.?
Funny how it comes back to the times you
thought you were never alive. But you
carelessly sing about her as if at the world
she SCREAMS, ?I?m not standing still!?

Chorus
Can't stop now?I lose myself when the
music starts to play.
Oh, I've dreamt of you.
I wanted to see her as she said she cried out
loud!
?Oh no!? I mercilessly gather world and, ?I
don?t know.?
If I?ve lost it all Then I lose you all?

Bridge

I was alone all the world was around you I
thought I knew you.
I could have found all the world in your
answers. I don?t even trust you.
Come find your way all that I would have
given. I barely love you.
I could have found all the world in your
answers if everything falls apart!

Chorus
Don?t stop now?I lose myself when the
music starts to play.
I dreamt of you.
You were standing there blinded by the
Sobering Lights.
?Oh no!?
I mercilously gather the world, ?I?m out of my
mind!?
But she wants me. Oh she knows I?m all?