All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true: I was made for you

I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines, and I broke all the rules
But, baby, I broke them all for you
Because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
You do
I was made for you

You see the smile that's on my mouth
It's hiding the words that don't come out
And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
They don't know my head is a mess
No, they don't know who I really am
And they don't know what
I've been through like you do
And I was made for you

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true: I was made for you
It's true: I was made for you



Lyrics submitted by wheresthelove024

Track duration: 03:58

"The Story" as written by Phillip John Hanseroth

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


The Story song meanings
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52 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:I think she is talking about a break-up here. You can feel it in her serenity at the beginning of the song the peace and beauty she experiences with telling this person the story of who she is. The joy that is brought to her as this person learns the lines across her face. That it may have been all for nothing until she was able to give them to her lover.

    She seems like a fairly guarded person yet for some reason she “crossed all the lines, and broke all the rules” for them. Because she felt safe at the time not having anything to give but feeling like she was perfection through his/her love.

    But, and its only through her voice I feel this way, the emotion she has at the end of the song sounds like a plea. That although she is smiling, her head is a mess with no one to understand it anymore like he/she once did.

    So she goes back to the beginning stanza where this all doesn’t make sense if she doesn’t have him/her to tell it too. It has such an achy feel to it I could only think of it this way.
    Flag mookie10on January 08, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song could never hit as hard as it does on 7-or-however-many big screens at midnight on surround sound. Obviously added by you to a playlist otherwise filled with absolute garbage in the one place that in some ways brought us together but in most ways will keep us apart. I should have just said something.
    Flag dandelion1on June 27, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:The great lie of this song is that the person who has been with you and grown with you-- the person that you were made for-- already knows your stories. And your stories don't mean anything if you can't tell them, and you can't tell them to the person who lived through them with you.
    Flag ASaltyDogon June 14, 2012   Link
  • +2
    My Interpretation:You know when you have been through alot of misery, alot of heartache and relationships that didn't last, and you kind of give up on it all, on love, life, all of it? And then one day you meet this amazing person who changes it all, who gives you peace in mind and in your soul/heart. I'ts meant to be, it's so easy, effortless, you share every inch of your depth and soul with them, you're made for each other. and finally you're home.. ?

    Well this is about that. I think.
    Flag Freyiaon January 06, 2012   Link
  • +1
    Song Meaning:First of all, let me say that I'm over 50, divorced (u-g-l-y), male and I left everything I had for "the one". What I don't get is how, at her young age, she is able to get to the depths, despair, emotion and complexities of life. I really admire her, her songwriting, which is only exceeded by her voice, which is just amazing. and LIVE, she is more amazing than she is on her CD's. (saw her in NYC)

    All of these lines across my face
    Tell you the story of who I am
    So many stories of where I've been
    And how I got to where I am
    But these stories don't mean anything
    When you've got no one to tell them to
    It's true... I was made for you

    To me, These lines refer to the aspect of being successful and traveled but alone. Desperately so. Then getting a glimmer of hope, in that special someone who actually wants to hear the stories. And doesn't mind the lines in your face, because they have them as well.

    I climbed across the mountain tops
    Swam all across the ocean blue
    I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
    But baby I broke them all for you
    Because even when I was flat broke
    You made me feel like a million bucks
    You do
    I was made for you

    Sometimes in life, you have to give everything up that you thought (or taught) was important to be happy. It's about someone who isn't interested in the success (having achieved it), just someone to share life with. And is willing to bear any burden, face any foe, to be with someone who "gets" them.

    You see the smile that's on my mouth
    It's hiding the words that don't come out
    And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
    They don't know my head is a mess
    No, they don't know who I really am
    And they don't know what
    I've been through like you do
    And I was made for you...

    God, these are the lines that really make the difference. How many of you have lived the lie to make other people happy? Been in a marriage where on the surface seemed perfect but was hopelessly broken. And lied to everyone around you when you were dying inside? This leads to the dysfunctional situation that a lot of people find themselves in, keeping ourselves in an unhappy relationship, because we feel trapped. After we meet the "one", it becomes impossible. We spend our days (and nights) yearning to be with someone that really understand who we are, and loves us for who we are and not for what we provide (big income, security, etc...)

    All of these lines across my face
    Tell you the story of who I am
    So many stories of where I've been
    And how I got to where I am
    But these stories don't mean anything
    When you've got no one to tell them to
    It's true... I was made for you

    So I agree with those of you who have ccmmented on how powerful this song is, it made a big difference in my life. (and still does). Other thoughts ? F
    Flag Franklin0327on January 27, 2011   Link
  • 0
    Song Meaning:I concur this is a true love story. I agree with all of that idea have said. Except what ClarinetDreamer said because it's not a "he." Brandi Carlile is gay. Always has been. So, it would be a "she".
    Flag omgalezon December 18, 2010   Link
  • 0
    My Opinion:I think this song may be written to her audience, when you look at the words, it does make sense. also I saw her live and she said at the end, right before playing "the story" she said "this song's for you" of course it's just my opinion, but because she said that I feel that that is what this song is about, her relationship with her audience. it was written by one of the twins, but they have been with her her entire career, so it makes sense that he would write songs for Brandi.

    brandi is great, I love her!!!
    Flag molamolaon June 30, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song makes me think of the person I've broken the rules for and who I have given myself to as completely as I know how. The feeling is universal once you've found a person (and if you're lucky maybe there is more than one) who you can trust to tell your story to; words don't do it justice, so you've just got to sing with all you have. I recently discovered Brandi's talent by sharing the stage with her (even though I'm absolutely unknown musically), and I'm amazed. This song is riveting. I love how she is able to use every possible tone of her voice to its greatest effect. Her versatility of vocal expression reminds me of Glen Hansard.
    Flag violexon March 02, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:Brandi Carlile is a lesbian, just to clarify the assumptions being made that this song is about a man that she was/is with.
    Flag brianahbon November 23, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Actually, this song resonates alot with me. I have someone who knows what i've been through like no one else. Its about having someone in your life that understands. They arent able to make it better, but just knowing that they get it makes all the difference in the world.
    Flag sazarella84on May 23, 2009   Link

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