UPDATE (11/21/08): Here’s what Isaac had to say on their website about the song:
“You Found Me is a tough song for me. Its about the disappointment, the heart ache, the let down that comes with life. Sometimes you’re let down, sometimes you’re the one who lets someone else down. It gets hard to know who you can trust, who you can count on. This song came out of a tough time, and I’m still right in the thick of it. There’s some difficult circumstances my family and friends have been going through over the past year or so and can be overwhelming. It wears on me. It demands so much of my faith to keep believing, keep hoping in the unseen. Sometimes the tunnel has a light at the end, but usually they just look black as night. This song is about that feeling, and the hope that I still have, buried deep in my chest.”
Here is a video they put together with the song: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=46878924
UPDATE 2 (11/20/08): As best as I can tell, here are the lyrics from the final studio version as found on their website. The song is also now available on iTunes. Also, in a Reuters article about the new album, it was revealed that this song is asking the question about why bad things happen to good people after some of their friends and family went through very tough times.
In fact, one night, a rendition of “Happiness” was dedicated to Christian street monk and author Shane Claiborne after his community’s residence was completely burned down (the video is from 4 days after the fire). The article said the lyrics were written over 2 years ago, so the song is not directly related to this 2007 incident, but the tension between their faith and things like this is evident. Shane told me that they were great guys and good friends, and I am sure that he would be proud of their very public wrestling with very hard issues.
You Found Me
By Isaac Slade/Joe King/The Fray
//Verse 1//
I found God
On the corner of First and Amistad
Where the west
Was all but won
All alone
Smoking his last cigarette
I said, “Where you been?”
He said, “Ask anything.”
//Verse 2//
Where were you
When everything was falling apart?
All my days
Were spent by the telephone
That never rang
And all I needed was a call
It never came
To the corner of First and Amistad
//Chorus 1//
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Lying on the floor
Surrounded, surrounded
Why’d you have to wait?
Where were you, where were you?
Just a little late
You found me, You found me
//Verse 3//
In the end
Everyone ends up alone
Losing her
The only one who’s ever known
Who I am
Who I’m not, and who I want to be
No way to know
How long she will be next to me
//Chorus 2//
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Lying on the floor
Surrounded, surrounded
Why’d you have to wait?
Where were you, where were you?
Just a little late
You found me, You found me
//Bridge//
Early morning
The city breaks
I’ve been calling
For years and years and years and years
And you never left me no messages
You never sent me no letters
You got some kind of nerve
Taking all I want
//Chorus 3 and outro//
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Lying on the floor
Where were you, where were you?
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Lying on the floor
Surrounded, surrounded
Why’d you have to wait?
Where were you, where were you?
Just a little late
You found me, You found me
Why’d you have to wait
To find me, to find me?
UPDATE (11/20/08): The track will be streaming on The Fray’s website (thefray.net) starting tonight at 10pm. At that same time, you will be able to pre-order the deluxe version of the new album that releases on Feb. 3 with a bonus digital set of live recordings from their January ’09 tour dates. The word on the net is that the single may also be available on iTunes tomorrow. Finally, I may find the time this weekend to update the lyrics with the final studio version, so check back!
UPDATE (10/23/08): The official title of the track is “You Found Me,” and it will be the lead single from their new album due out in early 2009. Also, the word on the net is that The Fray will perform this song at the American Music Awards on Nov. 23 (on ABC). The song now even has its own Wikipedia page.
—–
Almost 1 year ago, we took a look at the lyrics to the new song “Happiness” by the Fray. Today, I have spent some time with You Tube again to try and decipher the lyrics to another of their new songs called “Amistad” (or “You Found Me” as the early fan videos have called it). There are not a whole lot of videos for this one, and they’re not 100% clear. Hopefully as more get posted we’ll have a better idea (possibly from the Feb. 1-3, 2008 shows coming up at the Bluebird Theater – p.s. does this sound like a live recording or DVD / BluRay taping to anyone else as it will be 3 nights in the same location with all new songs?).
Its also interesting to note that the lyrics have changed some between shows (specifically between the August show in Amsterdam and the November show in Paris). This is not uncommon for new songs- “Happiness” has been tweaked a bit- however, with “Amistad” there can be variance heard in the lyrics to the chorus, the entire 3rd verse, the bridge, and the outro. Seems like Isaac and/or Joe had a lot to put in this song and are trying to work out the perfect version- or there’s been some seriously sweet improv going on.
Anyway, I have not heard this one live and I have not heard of anyone else hearing the story behind this song, but it sounds to me like a song about someone who meets a parent who had abandoned their family. This is obviously a very emotional song (lyrics include the line “blood was on the floor”) and the child seems to be telling the parent that they are too late. Anyway, I will let you read and judge for yourself. Any line that has an asterisk on it is a line I am not confident about having correct. If you have any comments, guesses as to the background story, or corrections, feel free to post them. I think this next album is going to be awesome, so enjoy!
Amistad
By Isaac Slade/Joe King/The Fray
//Verse 1//
I found out
On the corner of First and Amistad
Where the west
Was all but won
All weeklong
Smoking his last cigarette
I said, “Where you been?”
He said, “Ask anything.”
//Verse 2//
Where were you
When everything was falling apart?
All my days
Were spent by the telephone
It never rang
And all I needed was a voice
It never came
To the corner of First and Amistad
//Chorus 1//
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Blood was on the floor
Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late
You found me, you found me
Always right on time
And so I wait for you
//Verse 3//
Answer this
Every time I turn around
Something else
Was on its way to break it down
Far from home
I do feel on my very own
Two feet alone
On the corner of First and Amistad
//Chorus 2//
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Blood was on the floor
Where were you? Where were you?
Lots to say to you
You found me, you found me
Just a little late
So I will not wait
//Bridge//
So I’ll stand up to my full height
Maybe you’re wrong and maybe I’m right
Either way, I’ll break my stare
By the door I hold my hand*
//Chorus 3 and outro//
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Blood was on the floor
Where were you? Where were you?
Lots to say to you
You found me, you found me
Just a little late
So I will not wait
Much longer for some plan*
So I plan*
To go, yeah*
All I needed was a call
The main lyrics above are from the November 9, 2007 show in Paris, France. The alternate lyrics below are from the August 11, 2007 show in Amsterdam, Holland. I did not even try to transcribe the outro from Amsterdam as its not very clear in any of the videos but it is significantly longer that the Paris show.
//Verse 3//
All I’ve known
On the corner of First and Amistad
I found my own
As lonely as a get along
With no name
A place to call my very own
So I make my way
To that lonely telephone
//Bridge//
So I’ll rise up to my full height
Where you’re wrong or maybe alright
So I’ll leave it all behind
Looking for some sacred lie
Peace,
Dan
Tags: The Fray, You Found Me
April 10, 2008 at 12:40 pm |
I think your lyrics are really great! I used to be singing along with the song, not knowing what to sing and making up lyrics of my own, but you wrote them down quite nicely! Some small suggestions:
I found HIM
on the corner of first and amistad
Either way I’ll MAKE MY STAND
by the door I’ll hold my hand
That’s all! Great job!
August 25, 2008 at 2:17 pm |
I believe the lyric is “I found God”
September 27, 2008 at 12:20 am |
You might also want to check out this video from the november 10, 2007 Zurich show, generally the lyrics are the same except on a couple+ lines. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT1haIWW71g
November 20, 2008 at 11:24 pm |
Definitely (at least on the fray’s website streaming version)
“I found God”
November 20, 2008 at 11:30 pm |
actually, the whole studio version on the site is quite a bit different than what is posted here. trying to figure out what he’s trying to say in it, with the “you found me” seeming to be directed at God, though he’s complaining that He came around so late?
November 21, 2008 at 12:54 am |
Here Save you Time.
I found god on the corner of first and amistad
where the west was all but won all alone smoking his last cigarette.
I said, “Where you been?”
He said, “Ask anything.”
Where were you
When everything was falling apart?
All my days
Were spent by the telephone
It never rang
And all I needed was a Call
It never came
To the corner of First and Amistad
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Lying on the floor
Surrounded Surrounded
Why’d You Have To Wait
Where were you, Where were you
Just a little late
You Found Me You Found Me
but In The end, everyone ends up alone
Losing her the only one whose ever known
who I’m who I’m not & who i want to be
no way to know, how long she will be next to me.
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Lying on the floor
Surrounded Surrounded
Why’d You Have To Wait
Where were you, Where were you
Just a little late
You Found Me You Found Me
Early morning City Breaks
I’ve been calling for years and years and years and years and you never left me no messages never sent me no letters you got some kind of nerve
taking all i own.
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Lying on the floor
Where were you, Where were you
Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Lying on the floor
Surrounded Surrounded
Why’d You Have To Wait
Where were you, Where were you
Just a little late
You Found Me You Found Me
Why’d You Have To Wait
To find me, To Find Me…
Written: Tommy L.
November 21, 2008 at 1:00 am |
Thanks, Tommy. I actually just finished my transcription right before you posted, but thanks for the help!
Peace,
Dan
November 21, 2008 at 8:41 am |
all my days spent by the telephone “That” never rang.
I saw a clip of Isaac recording in the studio and he said that.
December 1, 2008 at 10:06 am |
This song describes the current state of my journey right now. It’s tough because so much hurts right now.
December 4, 2008 at 10:02 pm |
why does he say Amistad? is it a street name? or is he refering to the slave trade amistad thing?
December 5, 2008 at 7:51 pm |
Amistad means friendship. Since this songs seems to deal with the speaker’s relationship with God in tough times, I think the implied meaning is that the speaker views their relationship with God as a friendship, but it is obviously strained by specific struggles.
Peace
Dan
December 29, 2008 at 1:26 am |
I really like this song. it’s kinda hard to be able to tell what ti’s about though. when he says ” some kind of nerve, taking all I own” it doesn’t seem like someone should say that to God. but I guess he just says it because he’s frustrated? and why is god smoking? and why is he on the floor? sorry it’s just a little confusing. great song though! love the lyrics and the tune!
January 13, 2009 at 8:26 pm |
i believe that hes frustrated, samantha. he says God is smoking because hes trying to say that even God must have stress with all thats going on. and most likely he isnt literally lying on the floor, but just lost in it all.
January 17, 2009 at 2:59 pm |
so who found him lying on the floor? was it God that found him on the floor.And why is God late if God is the one that found him.and when it says
-but In The end, everyone ends up alone
Losing her the only one whose ever known
who I’m who I’m not & who i want to be
no way to know, how long she will be next to me.-
who is this lady hes talken about is it his mom or his sister or his wife.
I’m really still confused.I’m thinkin did his mom or wife die and hes mad at God or what.I really don’t understand
January 29, 2009 at 6:56 pm |
your some depicts the real scenario of what we have today. the song are brave as the fray. i love you guys
February 3, 2009 at 11:12 pm |
I think we all question God at some point in our lives. That’s why he finds us in the middle of life’s hard lessons.
February 9, 2009 at 4:38 pm |
i think he is in a hard spot right now and he had been looking to his faith in the wrong way. god doesnt stop the tough times he gets you through them, i think it also states that when he finally looked for god he was found.
February 9, 2009 at 4:40 pm |
forgot to add i love the frey and their new song pushes boundaries and really makes people think about what the song not only means to the artist but to themselves.
February 11, 2009 at 9:31 pm |
I think that in the song, the author is finally able to sing out his angst to God. The author feels like God wasn’t there when He was needed the most. But remember, in the end…God WAS there, even if the author opened his eyes too late.
Even David got upset with God in his Psalms. This is a different sort of song to God, veering away from the usual pop-esque praise we hear on Christian airwaves. I like it, it feels very honest.
Those are my opinions.
February 20, 2009 at 5:24 pm |
[...] here is what the lead singer had to say about the song: “You Found Me is a tough song for me. Its about the disappointment, [...]
February 23, 2009 at 3:17 am |
Well to me the song was talking about how someone he was really close to died, tragically, && how he called out to God but never got a response && now that he’s finally coping and moving forward he finds God && he’s asking God where he was when he needed him. Which is a struggle everyone goes through as a christian/new believer.
When we live through tough situations, esp like a death, it’s really hard to see God or feel like God is helping you through it, BUT HE IS!
“God is our refuge && strength, an ever-present help in trouble…”
“be still && know that i am God…”
When he says that God was smoking, i don’t think he meant it literally. Sometimes we see God in other people. I speak from experience. When i’m going through something really hard in life, it seems like God disappears, but i’ll be walking in the street and something about someone will make me realize that God is with me.
i think that’s what he meant when he says
“i found God in the corner of first && amistad(street name?)
where the west was all but won
all alone, smoking his last cigarette
i said, where you been?
he said, ask anything…”
Perhaps he was taking a walk down the street && noticed God in a man smoking a cigarette? We can’t take lyrics too literally all the time. there’s so many ways to look at them, besides, we don’t know what the song writer has really been through or is feeling:]
i completely agree with scooba!
March 7, 2009 at 3:41 am |
Melissa, you made some really good points
It does feel as if God has left us when we need him the most and it causes question in people’s faith. I have found myself wondering if I was forgotten about durning troubling times but just when I least expect it something or someone reminds me that I am not alone.
Love this song!
March 8, 2009 at 11:59 am |
Melissa, I love what you said. And if anyone knows the poem “Footprints in the Sand” that’s exactly what it’s about. The man looks back on his life and in the toughest of times he sees only one set of footprints and says to God, “how could you leave me alone when I needed you most?”
And God says “It was then that I carried you”. Gives me hope!!!! My dad died a couple years ago and my mom has been very angry and bitter towards God since then: she doesn’t know how to deal with the grief so I think she blames the One who can take it all. P.S. I appreciate what someone said about God probably being stressed about things, but one thing we should always remember is God is all-powerful, He is always in control, and He knows what is going to happen before we do. He doesn’t get stressed and He doesn’t need a smoke!!!! LOL
March 17, 2009 at 2:54 am |
I believe – the more he discovers, the more he is aware how this world unaware it is. Tunnel vision remains in all, but a few. He is fed up as am I – how ridiculios everyone is – to make this world such a complicated place. This tunnel vision restrics the simplicity in life we need. Just open your eyes, be yourself and be true, thats all hes asking.
March 20, 2009 at 9:11 pm |
I heard this song on Disney Radio after I dropped the kids off for school this morning it really puzzled me. I understand what Melissa and lily have said but I still dont understand the end where he says he was a little late I think it puts down God our young people do not need this influence in this day or age the only true person you can always count on is God God never goes anywhere we do we leave and we are late but not God. We have to look for Him and we usually do not look in the right spot or we just do not have our eyes open because He is right there and has His hand out ready to grab hold it is our free will whether or not we take hold. Just look for HIM He is there it is up to YOU
March 23, 2009 at 1:33 pm |
When he says that God took so long to find him I think he means that God doesn’t work at our convience. He follows his plan, and he has a reason for his timing.
God finishing his last ciggarette could be saying that God can come in any form. He can reach you through a preacher, or through the homeless guy on the street corner.
good point to melissa. =]
March 24, 2009 at 1:56 pm |
From Melissa:
Well to me the song was talking about how someone he was really close to died, tragically, && how he called out to God but never got a response && now that he’s finally coping and moving forward he finds God && he’s asking God where he was when he needed him. Which is a struggle everyone goes through as a christian/new believer.
I believe this is what the author means by corner of 1rst and Amistad (Friendship). I believe 1rst & Amistad symbolizes the “new friendship” with God. In my opinion, the author is a new found believer and now that he’s talking with God, he is asking him why he wasn’t there through the tough times. As a Christian, I know I have fallen into phases where it takes me to reach rock-bottom (“Lying on the Floor”), before asking God for his help. I think the is the general message of the song. God is always there, but we do have to ask for his help. The author states that God was just a little late, but I think this is more asking God, “Why couldn’t I have found you sooner?”
As for “God smoking his last cigarette”, I believe this is the image God projected to the author to help him relate. My guess is that the author is a smoker and “the last cigarette” is metaphor representing depression or a hard time. The projection of God doing this, means he can relate to what the author is going through – thus opening a door of communication.
This is definitely my new favorite song, its got a great tune and even greater message(my take of the message, anyway)
March 24, 2009 at 11:43 pm |
I think that ‘god smoking his last cigarette’ is saying that he didn’t necessarily see a celestial being as much as something that changed his perspective about life, it could just be a man on the streets that somehow changed his view of how he saw life. As to ‘Youve got some nerve, taking all Ive got’ isn’t spiting god, hes voicing his frustration that nothing seems to be going in his favor. ‘Lying on the floor’ really shows that there was no where else to turn except to god to shed some light on life.
This is an amazing song that sends a powerful message if you view it the right way, atleast how I interpreted it
April 11, 2009 at 9:00 pm |
I love reading everyone’s thoughts! I believe that “1st and Amistad” is an actual intersection somewhere, but it seems to carry specific significance as well because of the meaning of amistad (friendship). Our most significant relationship/friendship will always be the one we have with God.
My take on God “smoking his last cigarette” is that it has more to do with our attitude when we approach Him after tragedies have occurred. You know how you get mad when you’re waiting for someone and they’re taking their sweet time (smoking their last cigarette) before they do what you need them to do? We act like He’s just been chillin’ somewhere, smoking on His last cigarette before moseying along to our aid. That’s how we feel and how we approach Him, but we are wrong about Him and how He works. WE are the ones who are too late, while He is always there, willing to comfort and give understanding if we are truly ready to accept it. Also, we have to remember that He is not a wish-fulfilling fairy, here to grant our wishes at our whim. Humankind brought sin, shame, and death into world, essentially telling God to “back off while we do things our way.” It is proof of His infinite mercy and love that He actually still offers His friendship and does anything good for us at all; He truly does so much more for me than I deserve.
God bless you guys (The Fray, and everyone who is searching)!
April 15, 2009 at 7:49 pm |
It’s been awesome reading these comments. I’m like in tears as new light is shed on an already heart-grabbing song that kinda had me a bit confused as to what the author is getting at, thats why I looked up this blog…,
Tear-jerking song especially if your experiencing.. I’m lost & insecure, God I need you… WHERE ARE YOu?… & you just desperate to find God… & although, yes, the author seems to express some frustration at God being “late” & seemingly “not around” in his hardest time, the song somehow does portray God’s merciful understanding closest-friend-like kindness, like “bring it on”.. I know what you’ve been going through… a heartfelt, … looks you in the eye.. with compassionate empathy… welcomes you… “__Ask me ANYTHING__… let your raw, honest feelings pour out…
Also the author writes that he found God On the corner of First and Amistad – if this is an intersection somewhere – it must be where he lives as he states All his days were spent by the telephone -It never rang
And all he needed was a call – It never came to the corner of First and Amistad… but the irony is the corner of First and Amistad – is where he found God… this verse (with the repeated “never came”, “never rang”) also might be conveying the authors desperate longing/ anticipation for help /communication / relationship with God / answers to his trials.. when everything was falling apart…
Although mixed/sandwhiched with frustration, When it comes down to it, the author seems to be from the bottom of his heart deeply -grateful- that “You found me” in my such rock-bottom state.. “You found me”.. hence highlighted in the song through repetition and the title.
“Where the west Was all but won”
Whats people’s take on this line?
CHeers:)
April 30, 2009 at 12:53 pm |
I think the line ‘smoking his last cigarette’ is just meant to express the feeling that God was taking a break or sitting down on the job. Hes pissed cause he cant find God and thinking he must not care to much cause if he was really paying attention he’d be helping. i think we all get to that point with God at one time or another.
May 11, 2009 at 2:08 am |
“On the Corner of First and Amistad.” The FIRST motion picture that Steven Spielberg made through the DreamWorks corporation was called, “AMISTAD.”
June 3, 2009 at 9:04 pm |
The point of view starts off as the guys. Then it switches over to God’s. The person that had someone close lost God along the way. When the song says “I’ve been calling…. for years and years and years and you never left me no messages” that is God calling the man. The man lost touch with God and when he finally found him again it was too late because he was dying.
June 6, 2009 at 12:46 pm |
1st St & W Amistad Ave, Quemado, Maverick, Texas 78877
June 21, 2009 at 12:27 pm |
Hey Chris, I’ve been thinking that way myself, it’s as if God is telling us that we are lost and insecure, and how someone’s just found him. Love is evident through the words “Why’d you have to wait? To find me?” as if by trusting and loving him, the person in the song would have been prevented from experiencing trauma, which God wants. Also, I agree with you that maybe the Fray meant how God’s been wanting to be connected to the man.
But I guess this doesn’t fit too well with “taking all I own” – so maybe its both God and a person having a conversation – where the person is really bitter and God is there with infinite love.
I also like Marissa’s view – that God finds us, whatever shape and circumstance
July 9, 2009 at 8:37 am |
I’m with Eegor – I think First and Amistad is an intersection.
There is a First and Amistad in Quemado, TX but where 1st and Amistad meet in Quemado does not have a corner. I couldn’t see God there in Google either but that’s the internet for you!
I think it is far more likely to be a Denver location – which is where the “west was almost won” – being near a number of locations where massacres of Cheyanne and Arapahoe occurred.
Google does show a place called El Centro Amistad (Centre for Friends) having closed on a corner: 205 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO. Curiously there is a sequence of streets from this intersection which are numbered but the road at the intersection is Pearl St – which would have been First St if it was ever numbered.
I wonder if it might have been re-named but known as First when The Fray members were growing up. It is quite close to where Isaac Slade and Joe King grew up – 25km from Ralston Valley High School.
I thought the song was about one of the frequent puzzles about this God guy. Why doesn’t he come when you actually need him?
Chris R, Australia
July 11, 2009 at 11:36 pm |
God, The Lord is known to have walked with Adam, Moses, Noah, Jesus who is the Son of Man. He doesn’t smoke cigarettes. The Lord that Issac is speaking of is another God. The Creator does not sin nor does his only begotten son, Jesus Christ who is sinless and without stain or blemish. We need to keep that into perspective, but to say that “The Fray” are unbelievers or anti-christians is foolish, they believe in God, they don’t need a pepsi can to figure that he really exists and yes, he does walk with His Son on His terms and on His timing.
August 10, 2009 at 6:53 pm |
the first verse to me personally in where my spiritual life is means that God cares where you are no matter whether you are still in church or if you have left.. he still cares about you even if you are going contrary to what he expects from you it is a very deep song for me the first time i heard it, it touched me. it’s kinda like how i have been lost and i try to find my way back to him but no matter what ever it is i do it never happens… i try to go back to where i know i’m supposed to be where he expects me but temptation has a way of finding me.. and i just cant get away from it.. but he will always be with me no matter what and he will always find me.
January 23, 2011 at 11:45 pm |
Heres what I think, even though im late to the convo. Its a two part conversation. The first section he says “where you been?” But the next line I think they are saying, “he started asking me the same,” talking about god. Then its a two part convo. The guy says, ” where were you, when everything was falling apart?”then god says, “all my days…” Because it seems like the guy wants to blame god for this happening, but god says “I was waiting for you to come to me. Why did you wait so long, until everything was falling apart to come to me. ” If anyone is still reading this, let me know what you think.