This song was first inspired by my son who gave me the line "get out of my way to get you to stay". A couple days later I wrote this song in honour of his inspiration.
I thought about what that line/theme could mean and was reminded about the human condition. Sometimes the harder we try, the worse things can get. We can hold on to someone we love too tight. There's an adage or axiom for this condition - if you love someone, let them go. This might be necessary to see if it's love that keeps you together or the grip of infatuation or selfishness.
It's ultimately a hopeful song. There's an appeal to "live again and love another way" - a different way that can restore what was once there.
Lyrics
Verse
I’m stepping to the side and giving you space
I’d give the moon and stars if they were mine to take
You have a gravity that pulls. You’re the light to my day
It’s starting to get dark as I orbit you babe
Chorus
When I try harder you push away
So I’m getting out of my way to get you to stay
In spite of ourselves we’ve become a cliché
Let’s live again, live again and love another way
Verse
Disappointment on your face ‘cause I said how I feel
But I’m telling you to brace ‘cause I want us to heal
Tears are healthy when they fall if they’re brought by relief
I’m laying it all out now ‘cause I want you to see
Chorus
When I try harder you push away
So I’m getting out of my way to get you to stay
In spite of ourselves we’ve become a cliché
Let’s live again, live again and love another way
Bridge
With space between us growing right now
Doubts creeping in and I’m spiraling down
Say the word and I’ll fight the urge to run on back
Second guessing all I do is what I’m good at
Chorus
When I try harder you push away
So I’m getting out of my way to get you to stay
In spite of ourselves we’ve become a cliché
Let’s live again, live again and love another way
Let’s love another way
Let’s live again
Let’s live again
Let’s live again and love another way
