“Far Behind” is a powerful, emotional journey through grief and regret. It’s about acknowledging mistakes in how someone was treated and the pain of losing them. The song reflects on a friendship marked by ups and downs, recognizing the impact of actions and inactions. The writer, Kevin Martin, was inspired by the death of Mother Love Bone singer Andrew Wood, a friend and fellow musician. He channels his feelings of loss and guilt into the lyrics, offering a message of reflection and the complexities of human relationships.
Ever wondered about the deep emotions and stories behind your favorite songs? “Far Behind” by Candlebox is a treasure trove of emotions and hidden meanings. Join us in unraveling the layers behind this iconic song.
“Far Behind” Lyrics Meaning
“Far Behind” starts with a poignant confession: “Now maybe, I didn’t mean to treat you bad.” This line sets the tone for the song – it’s about regret and hindsight. As the song progresses, it reflects on the ups and downs of a relationship, possibly a friendship. When the lyrics say, “Your friends they stand around they watch you crumble,” it’s a commentary on how people can be spectators in someone’s downfall, not always offering the support needed.
The chorus, “But you left me far behind,” is a powerful echo of loss and regret. It suggests the singer is left grappling with the aftermath of their actions and the void left by the person’s absence. The song continually juxtaposes past mistakes with present realizations, implying a journey of self-reflection.
As we move further, the song touches on themes of fame, perception, and the loneliness that often accompanies public life. “But then someday people look at you / For what they call their own, they watch you suffer,” speaks to how public figures are often dehumanized, their struggles made into a spectacle.
The song’s emotional climax, “And that cold day when you lost control / Shame you left my life so soon you should have told me,” is a heart-wrenching expression of regret over lost chances to connect and support. It’s about the things left unsaid, the support not given, and the painful reality of losing someone before these wrongs can be righted.
The Story Behind “Far Behind”
The emotional depth of “Far Behind” stems from a very personal place for Candlebox’s lead singer, Kevin Martin. The song was written in the wake of the death of Andrew Wood, lead singer of Mother Love Bone. Wood’s death was a significant blow to the Seattle music scene and deeply affected Martin.
Martin was in a turbulent state of mind, grappling with the themes of loss, guilt, and reflection. These emotions are vividly captured in the song’s lyrics. The line, “As you trip the final line / And that cold day when you lost control,” could be interpreted as a direct reference to Wood’s untimely death due to a heroin overdose.
The song, therefore, becomes not just a narrative about a lost friend but also a cathartic expression of Martin’s own journey through grief. It’s a reflection on the complexities of human relationships, especially those scarred by addiction and fame.