I've used hammers made out of wood
I have played games with pieces and rules
I've deciphered tricks at the bar
But now your gone
I haven't figured out why
I've come up with riddles
And jokes about war
I've figured out numbers and what there for
I've understood feelings
And I've understood words
But how could you be taken away

And wherever you've gone
And where ever we might go
It don't seem fair
Today just disappeared
Your lights reflected now
Reflected from a far
We were but stones
Your light made us stars

With heavy breath
Awakens regrets
Back pages and days alone the could've been spent
Together but we were miles apart
Every inch between becomes light years now
No time to be void
Or save up on life
Uh you've got to spend it all

And wherever you've gone
And where ever we might go
It don't seem fair
You seem to like it here
Your lights reflected now
Reflected from a far
We were but stones
Your light made us stars

And wherever you've gone
And wherever we might go
It don't seem fair
Today just disappeared
Your lights reflected now
Reflected from a far
We were but stones
Your light made us stars

Repeat till end



Lyrics submitted by Trent, edited by PumSeed

Track duration: 05:07

"Light Years" as written by Jimmy Webb

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Light Years song meanings
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36 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:At a Pearl Jam show here in Seattle in November of 2000 Eddie Vedder said that this song was written about Andy Wood, former lead singer of Mother Love Bone which was the precursor to Pearl Jam. He said that if it hadn't been for Wood's passing that he would never be in the position that he was in and he had, as of late, been thinking a lot about that twist of fate. After the band played this song they played Mother Love Bone's "Crown of Thorns". It was a really touching tribute and both songs, of course, are so beautiful.
    Flag Ravenna147on January 21, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:The more i read about Eddie's Lyrics, the more i grow to recognise him as a phlosophical genius and emotionally powerful man. He'd have made an awesome mediator or teen psychologist. Even just through his lyrics he can change your life and give you such an indepth perscpective where you know there IS somebody out there that understands you in the most complex of situations
    Flag mushroomfaton February 07, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:WOW what a powerful concept. This song is the explanation of the feeling and tribulations experienced by some depressed individuals who are just geniuses, alot of whom one day go one to commit suicide. Thinking they have it all under control because theyre so smart and able, but that helpless feeling of "why can i not figure this out? why do i still feel this way? i have to know now!" and ofcourse not being able to simply shut off thier superior minds, it drives them to desparation and often suicide.

    Ofcourse this song in particular is focused on a loved one that is out of his reach (deceased or MIA i cannot clarify) and obviously how madly he misses them.
    Flag mushroomfaton February 07, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Very simply, this song is about being apart from someone you love. Wether it's a spouse, family member, or just a good friend, wether it's for a day or a week or a lifetime.
    Flag Tig45on April 11, 2011   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:i always felt this song was a reference to kurt cobain...i guess the line we were but stones your light made us stars refered to the whole grunge thing and nirvana opening the door for many bands like pearl jam for success...just a thought
    Flag mickang22on September 04, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:more info, from that concert concerning the song, i found on youtube:

    At the Pinkpop Festival in 2000, Vedder dedicated the song to Diane Muus from Sony Music, a friend of the band who passed away at the age of 33 in 1997....
    so i think we can close the debate
    Flag CCDevlinon March 11, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I never really looked into the lyrics and its meaning. But when I say Vedder sing it on youtube during a festival in Holland (Pinkpop 2000 youtube.com/…) it was suddenly clear to me that this song is about loss of life.

    Just see the look in his eyes...then you'll know enough, i think.

    Flag CCDevlinon March 11, 2009   Link
  • +1
    Song Meaning:“We were but stones. Your light made us stars.”

    I just wanted to add a comment on this particular line. When you look at the night sky, not all of the twinkling things in it are stars. Some are just planets (stones) that are reflecting the Sun’s light. This idea is useful for several of the interpretations people mentioned. Maybe the fans are a sun and they’ve turned the band into “stars”. Or maybe the song is about loss; even though the person is very far away (physically or dead), their influence still lights up the singer like a planet in the night sky.
    Flag clovuson January 07, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:At pinkpop 2000 eddie explained what the song is about. I think anyone who's ever lost someone dear to them can relate to the lyrics. It's a beautiful song and has brought me great comfort.
    Flag kimmieallyourlovinon October 28, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i think its basiclly about someone who made you feel really great and happy, and how does it feels to loose or simply be apart from the one who gives that happiness to you , and kind of a lesson to take that experience and apply it in all the aspects of life, "no time to be void or save up in life you got to spend it all" that how we all should live, cause we never know when the things are going to change... beautiful beatiful song, love to sing it with a couple of beers and my best friends... very bounding
    Flag Citlalion September 01, 2008   Link

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