New music video: A Doyle tribute to Lifehouse's "Broken"

[Autumn]

This is our first Angel video, but probably won't be our last.

Basically, this video is meant as a tribute to the character on Angel (Doyle) as well as to the late actor (Glenn Quinn) who played him brilliantly on the show.

Well enjoy! (Even though it's sad)

Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGvUVOb8cpw

[vyperman7]

Hey Amber!

Doyle is my all time favorite Angel character. It was a shame that he was only in the first 8 episodes of the show. With that being said, I was really looking forward to seeing this video. I also love the song. I really enjoyed this video overall. Like I said, Doyle is my favorite Angel character and it was so great to see all the moments that made the character memorable. My favorite part of the video was @ the end with the scenes from Hero (One of my favorite episodes ever). Great to see the kiss and the scene where Doyle sacrifices himself is really emotional. Plus, I really liked the "Am I done" soundbyte at the end of the video. Very fitting. It also would have been great if you put a Gleen Quinn RIP (1970-2002) at the end just to give it that little extra emotional tug.

Now like I said, I really liked this video a lot. But there were a few things I wanted to comment on. I am not trying to rub you or your sister the wrong way. I just wanted to address a few things I was curious about/had advice on...

1) I felt like the video needed to be defined as one theme. Either a Doyle/Cordelia shipper video, or a Doyle character study. The reason I say this, is because it came off almost like you were trying to show two completely different videos together at the same time. The video starts out focusing on just Doyle which makes it seem like it is going to be a Doyle character study. But for the most part, the video kind of evolves into a Cordelia/Doyle shipper video. But then every once and awhile it comes back to Doyle/his relationship with Angel again. That is why I was torn on the song choice. If you look at all the videos that have been made with this song, they focus on a particular ship. That is because the song itself is a relationship based song focusing on romantic issues. So for a Doyle/Cordelia video it really works nicely. But on the other hand, a romantic song like Broken focusing on a couple in the lyrics, doesn't really go that well with a video focusing on just one person. Think of it this way. It would almost be like using Nickelback's Far and Away for a video focusing on just Mick and his life as a vampire. It just wouldn't work. So in my opinion, if you were going to go with Broken, the video would have worked even better if it had just focused on Doyle/Cordelia. If you can see where I am coming from at all with this... I just found the video to be a tad bit confusing as to what the theme was supposed to be.

2) Some of the soundbytes were really hard to hear because you played them during lyrical parts of the song. The only piece of advice I wanted to offer is - dialogue works best when it is used when no lyrics are playing. It is hard for a viewer to have to listen to two things at once. Dialogue works better if it is done during instrumental parts of the song, like you did at the very beginning. There are times when dialogue over lyrics really works. But if you do this, you have to make sure to lower the song to a point, where you can hear the soundbyte clearly.

Thanks for making the video though. I really enjoyed it.

[Autumn]

Hey Amber!

Doyle is my all time favorite Angel character. It was a shame that he was only in the first 8 episodes of the show. With that being said, I was really looking forward to seeing this video. I also love the song. I really enjoyed this video overall. Like I said, Doyle is my favorite Angel character and it was so great to see all the moments that made the character memorable. My favorite part of the video was @ the end with the scenes from Hero (One of my favorite episodes ever). Great to see the kiss and the scene where Doyle sacrifices himself is really emotional. Plus, I really liked the "Am I done" soundbyte at the end of the video. Very fitting. It also would have been great if you put a Gleen Quinn RIP (1970-2002) at the end just to give it that little extra emotional tug.

He actually was in 9 episodes, but yes it was a shame. The show would have been better with Doyle in it. I'm still mad at Joss Whedon for that one. Glad you liked the end. And yes, I could have put a Glenn Quinn RIP, but I opted not to. Instead, I put it over in my information section. I didn't feel it was necessary. I felt his quote told everyone everything they needed to know. I feel like to put in the RIP would have come across as slightly manipulative. Don't get me wrong, most people who do put that in are sincere. But some aren't. I don't like to manipulate emotions. I like to find truth behind emotion. And I think to add the rip at the end might have taken away a little bit from the last bit of dialogue. But it's a personal choice.



Now like I said, I really liked this video a lot. But there were a few things I wanted to comment on. I am not trying to rub you or your sister the wrong way. I just wanted to address a few things I was curious about/had advice on...

1) I felt like the video needed to be defined as one theme. Either a Doyle/Cordelia shipper video, or a Doyle character study. The reason I say this, is because it came off almost like you were trying to show two completely different videos together at the same time. The video starts out focusing on just Doyle which makes it seem like it is going to be a Doyle character study. But for the most part, the video kind of evolves into a Cordelia/Doyle shipper video. But then every once and awhile it comes back to Doyle/his relationship with Angel again. That is why I was torn on the song choice. If you look at all the videos that have been made with this song, they focus on a particular ship. That is because the song itself is a relationship based song focusing on romantic issues. So for a Doyle/Cordelia video it really works nicely. But on the other hand, a romantic song like Broken focusing on a couple in the lyrics, doesn't really go that well with a video focusing on just one person. Think of it this way. It would almost be like using Nickelback's Far and Away for a video focusing on just Mick and his life as a vampire. It just wouldn't work. So in my opinion, if you were going to go with Broken, the video would have worked even better if it had just focused on Doyle/Cordelia. If you can see where I am coming from at all with this... I just found the video to be a tad bit confusing as to what the theme was supposed to be..

I think you missed what my theme was then. Besides, a theme does not relate to whether or not it is a shipper or a character video. (I personally despise the word shipper; it's kind of silly to me). That’s not a theme. A theme is related to the meaning of the video. What you're describing is a category. Sorry, you're talking to an English major, and a Humanities/Film major who both write. So, I had to correct you there.

That said, the video was about Doyle being broken and he's seeking redemption. Part of what saves Doyle is how he saves other people by working with Angel and Cordelia at Angel Investigations. And part of what saves him is his love for Cordelia as well as his friendship with Angel. So I showed all of it. Even if it was just a Doyle character study, part of his character is his love for Cordelia. In fact, that was the biggest part of his character on the show. Almost every scene he's in, Cordelia is with him. So yeah, I showed a lot of that.

And I never pay attention to what "other" people do with a song. I focus on my own ideas. And I don't think the song Broken only has to relate to romantic relationships. I completely disagree with you. I feel this song can be used in other ways as well.

I'm sorry you found the video confusing. But maybe you were thinking too hard. No offense. I think the first few bits of dialogue make it pretty clear what Doyle's about in the video. "We all have something to atone for." And then at the end, he talks about heroes. He's Broken but he's holding onto Cordelia and Angel, and then he finally finds the redemption he's searching for and becomes a hero. I don't think it's that confusing. But to each their own. Every bit of dialogue we used was in relation to this theme of being broken and finding redemption. And a lot of that redemption comes through love and friendship as well as fighting the good fight. I think people can hold onto more than just romantic love, which is why we included Angel. They had a strong brotherly love.

I can see where you are coming from. I don't agree. But maybe you'll see where I'm coming from on this one.



2) Some of the soundbytes were really hard to hear because you played them during lyrical parts of the song. The only piece of advice I wanted to offer is - dialogue works best when it is used when no lyrics are playing. It is hard for a viewer to have to listen to two things at once. Dialogue works better if it is done during instrumental parts of the song, like you did at the very beginning. There are times when dialogue over lyrics really works. But if you do this, you have to make sure to lower the song to a point, where you can hear the soundbyte clearly.

Thanks for making the video though. I really enjoyed it.

First of all, I want to make it clear that I don’t make videos for other people per se. I make videos I would want to watch. Or videos that I enjoy making. I made the video to be something I would want to see. That said, I felt the dialogue was placed perfectly fine in this video. But everyone is entitled to their opinion. I usually agree with some of your advice, but on this video, I don’t think there was anything wrong with where I put sound. For the most part, I did try and put sound bytes over the song when there are no lyrics. But in every part, I did not feel it was necessary.

And I actually do agree with you that dialogue works best when no lyrics are playing.

Also, I don’t have professional equipment, so I do what I can. That’s as loud as my soundbytes can get. Not everyone can afford professional equipment.

Well anyway, you are welcome. This is actually my favorite video I’ve made. Just because I love the Doyle character. I honestly lost interest in Angel after he left and I only watched periodically. I like Joss Whedon’s shows but at times I feel he doesn’t stay true to characters. He kills too many people off, makes them evil and then turns them good again, etc…I like consistency in writing. And he drives me nuts with how he treats characters sometimes.

Well anyway, thanks for the comments. Even though we don’t agree on this one. You'll find that I can't help but be a little argumentative. So, don't take it personally. :)

Oh, and I wanted to add that the video is meant as a tribute to Doyle and Glenn by my sister and I. So, we picked some of our favorite scenes. And we are drawn to the romantic side of Doyle, as well as the broken and redemptive side. Not to mention his sense of comedic timing. But anyway, it's not necessarily meant to be a character study (although it kind of is), it really is meant to be a tribute. And we picked what we liked. Someone else might pick other things.

Oh, and just out of curiosity, why did you delete the Mick and Beth videos? I liked them. :)

----- Added 3 Hours and 2 Minutes later -----

I just thought of something that I had to add. So, don't kill me. BUT, I just recalled that a recent episode of Grey's Anatomy used the song Broken by Lifehouse. And it was used in a scene where everyone is looking at a sick child heal. There are elements of romance with a few of the characters, but for the most part, it was about all of these broken individuals looking for redemption through the eyes of a child. So, if a show can use the song for something other than romance, I certainly can. :)

Oh, and the song could also be interpreted to be religious even. And the singer could actually be saying that he's broken, but he finds meaning in God, and holds onto him while he heals and finds redemption. A broken heart is many times referred to in scriptures as being repentant.

So, I don't know what Lifehouse intended. But music is art, and is therefore open to interpretation. I personally hear the song as being about redemption, and redemption can come through love (whether romantic, brotherly or otherwise) and as Doyle says through atonement and fighting the good fight. The song says, you're barely holding on. I think they mean that they're barely holding on to life, not necessarily to one specific person. It's a metaphor. But, that's just how I hear the song. And I think it's a valid way to edit to it.

[vyperman7]

No worries Amber.

The one piece of advice I can offer you in regards to sound, which has helped serve me well, is that you have to put yourself in the viewer's shoes. Since you get to hear the line of dialogue before the music is put in, you know what the character is saying. I actually had a class on this in school. Your mind and ears can play tricks on you. Due to the fact you know what the line is, it can actually sound just right to you when you mix it with the music. But the viewer doesn't know what the line is, and hears it for the first time mixed in with the music. When you put the dialogue over lyrics, you make it even harder on the viewer because they have to try and listen to two things at once. That is why I always have to force myself to remember to put myself in the viewer's shoes. They don't know what the dialogue is, so I have to make sure that I can hear the levels extremely clear. By the way, my comment had nothing to do with the equipment you use. In fact, you are the one that always brings that up... :D I was just saying that if you use dialogue over lyrics, that you have to lower the volume of the music.

In regards to the RIP at the end, I don't see it as manipulative at all. In all honesty, that thought never even entered my mind. I guess that just goes to show that people tend to think differently. It immediately came into my mind because whenever an actor dies that starred in a TV series, or an episode is dedicated to someone who passed away, a name and dates are always left at the end. I would have done it just to follow suit.

I agree that the word "shipper" is silly. In all honesty, I don't know who came up with it. In the end, I suppose using the abreviation of ship is easier than spending the time to type out relationship. But in regards to theme, I always thought of a theme as the focus of the video. For example, if I had done a Doyle/Cordelia video, and were writing up a description, I would say that the category would be romance, and the theme of the video would be Doyle and Cordelia.

I was basing my opinion of the song and how it should be used on the lyrics. I also based it on the fact that Lifehouse is predominantly known for putting out romantic songs. A large portion of their songs have had a relationship theme to them. When I read the lyrics, I clearly see it as a song geared towards heartache suffered from the aftermath of a bad relationship and hope that the relationship can go back to what it used to be. That is why you see words like "broken heart" "holding onto you" I wasn't trying to imply you have to follow what everyone else does. I was just saying that there is a reason why people only make romantic type videos with Broken. Everyone else feels the same way about the song. But it's cool you saw it as different. Like I said, people will always think differently. It would be a boring world if everyone thought the same. :)

It is different when a portion of a song is used for one scene in an episode, because you don't hear the song as a whole. Usually they just come in with the chorus, and cut the song off after 20-30 seconds. If you only hear one part of the song for a short period of time, then I could see it working with a scene from GA. But if you hear the whole song and no romance, it might come off differently.

I wanted to list the lyrics and point out why I thought it was refering to a romantic relationship :

The broken clock is a comfort (The first verse in my mind is speaking to a person thinking back)
It helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can stop tomorrow
From stealing all my time

And I am here still waiting ( The person hoping that they can get back to where they were)
Though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best
Like you've already figured out

I'm falling apart (Broken heart, pain, healing, in your name I find meaining, etc seems romantic to me)
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
That's still beating
In the pain
There is healing
In your name
I find meaning
So I'm holding on
I'm holding on
I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to you

The broken locks were a warning (More reference with the word "you". Especially "Got inside my head")
You got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded
I'm an open book instead
And I still see your reflection
Inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose
They're still looking for life

Chorus repeat

I'm hanging on another day
Just to see what you will throw my way
*And*I'm hanging on to the words you say
You said that I will
I will be okay

Broken lights on the freeway
Left me here alone
I may have lost my way now
Haven't forgotten my way home

Chorus repeat

I'm holding on
I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to you

**************************************************

I am not offended at all. It would be boring if people always agreed with each other. As a whole we both respect and like each other. But we can also disagree with each other as well. I think the trick is not to take things personally and realize that people will tend to disagree.

[Autumn]

No worries Amber.

The one piece of advice I can offer you in regards to sound, which has helped serve me well, is that you have to put yourself in the viewer's shoes. Since you get to hear the line of dialogue before the music is put in, you know what the character is saying. I actually had a class on this in school. Your mind and ears can play tricks on you. Due to the fact you know what the line is, it can actually sound just right to you when you mix it with the music. But the viewer doesn't know what the line is, and hears it for the first time mixed in with the music. When you put the dialogue over lyrics, you make it even harder on the viewer because they have to try and listen to two things at once. That is why I always have to force myself to remember to put myself in the viewer's shoes. They don't know what the dialogue is, so I have to make sure that I can hear the levels extremely clear. By the way, my comment had nothing to do with the equipment you use. In fact, you are the one that always brings that up... :D I was just saying that if you use dialogue over lyrics, that you have to lower the volume of the music.

I actually understand this whole concept. I’m not unaware of it. About the equipment, I wasn’t saying you were talking about my equipment. I was saying that my equipment is not capable of lowering the music any more than it does. I lowered it as much as I could, and raised the volume as much as I could. That’s what I was saying. Trust me, I never thought you were insulting my equipment. I insult it myself and scream at it, and want to throw things at it because it sucks. So, I understand how to use volume just fine. But I can only do what my equipment allows. So, with what I have, the volume in this video is the best I can do.

And actually, I always have other people watch my videos (or read my scripts for that matter) to get an outside view because I’m very well aware of how your mind can play tricks on you. The people I showed understood the video just fine. Is there a few spots I wish could be louder? Sure. But, like I said, that’s as loud as my editing system will get.

But thank you for the advice.


In regards to the RIP at the end, I don't see it as manipulative at all. In all honesty, that thought never even entered my mind. I guess that just goes to show that people tend to think differently. It immediately came into my mind because whenever an actor dies that starred in a TV series, or an episode is dedicated to someone who passed away, a name and dates are always left at the end. I would have done it just to follow suit.

Yes, people do see things differently. I studied humanities and film in college, and we always talked about Sincerity vs. Sentimentality in art all the time. And sometimes I feel, filmmakers use devices to invoke emotion in the audience which is not in fact sincere. IE: a loud surge of music in a sad scene that is a bit over the top. Now, I don’t think necessarily putting rip after a video is insincere or manipulative. But I think it sometimes can be. If I had made a video about a montage of all of Glenn Quinn’s movies and shows then I probably would have put it on in the end. But it’s a personal choice in the end. If you make a video about Doyle, you can always add the rip at the end. :) I paid tribute to him personally in the video description itself. I also felt the video spoke for itself in that respect; Because I really do respect the actor. I thought he was brilliant, and gave a very honest performance. I plan on making more Doyle videos in the future, and I feel it is unnecessary to mention his death at the end of every video.


I agree that the word "shipper" is silly. In all honesty, I don't know who came up with it. In the end, I suppose using the abreviation of ship is easier than spending the time to type out relationship. But in regards to theme, I always thought of a theme as the focus of the video. For example, if I had done a Doyle/Cordelia video, and were writing up a description, I would say that the category would be romance, and the theme of the video would be Doyle and Cordelia.

I don’t know who came up with the term either, but it drives me crazy. I’ve also found the combination of names to be silly as well. But that’s just me.

Yes, romance is a category. But Doyle and Cordelia are not a theme. A theme relates to meaning. What is the moral (if you will) of the video? What story are you trying to tell? The theme in my video was redemption. Doyle and Cordelia are characters. They are who the video would be about. They are not “what” the video is about. They cannot be the theme. My video is about Doyle seeking redemption (through love both brotherly and romantic and through fighting the good fight). So, in that respect, I did not have more than one theme. I think the best way to categorize Doyle and Cordelia would be to simply call them a TV couple or the focus. They are definitely not a theme. That makes no sense. A theme should be used when you are describing what the video is about. IE: the theme of my video “wherever you will go” romantic couples montage is eternal love.


I was basing my opinion of the song and how it SHOULD be used on the lyrics. I also based it on the FACT that Lifehouse is predominantly known for putting out romantic songs. A large portion of their songs have had a relationship theme to them. When I read the lyrics, I clearly see it as a song geared towards heartache suffered from the aftermath of a bad relationship and hope that the relationship can go back to what it used to be. That is why you see words like "broken heart" "holding onto you" I wasn't trying to imply you have to follow what EVERYONE else does. I was just saying that there is a REASON why people ONLY make romantic type videos with Broken. EVERYONE ELSE feels the same way about the song. But it's COOL you saw it as different. Like I said, people will always think differently. It would be a boring world if everyone thought the same. :)

I see you added a little more to what you said earlier! So, I will be a little less harsh in my response to what you've said here. Okay, so I like how you said that you clearly see it as a song geared towards heartache suffered from the aftermath of a bad break up. I think it's wonderful that you interpret the song that way, because it is very valid. It was a true response you gave. It's honest. But now, I'm going to get a little harsh. And believe me, I don't mean this to be rude. I'm just trying to point something out.

I made the point to capitalize a few of your words to emphasize some of the things you just said. Perhaps you were unaware of the way you said it. But basically, the message that I got (originally before you added some nicer words in between your statements) was that because everyone else interprets a song one way that my way of interpreting is not only wrong but stupid. Also, you argued with absolute statements, which is something one rarely uses in arguing a point. There is no evidence that “everyone” interprets the song merely as romantic. Plus, you use condescending words like “cool” to make your point. I know you didn’t mean it to be rude, so I’ll forgive you. And since you added that nicer statement at the end, I know you didn’t mean to be sound rude.

That said, just because everyone else does something, doesn’t mean I will. I’m a bit of a non-conformist and I usually tend to do and see things differently than other people.

Basically, your argument tells me that everyone is doing it, so I should to. So when everyone else jumps off the bridge, I’ll be sure to wave. (I mean this in a very tongue and cheek kind of way)

If you were going to make the video yourself, you could then interpret the song how you want to interpret it. So, no one can really tell anyone how to interpret a song, or a film, or a show, or a painting, etc… Everyone will ultimately have their own interpretation of a song. Like you said, the world would be a boring place if everyone saw things the same way.

Jason wade of Lifehouse said, "That's the great thing about a song - a lyric may mean something totally different for someone else than it does for me and still be just as valid," he insists. A case in point is album closer "Everything": "We've been playing it on tour and when kids come up after the show, it seems like they always tell us how much they love that song. They don't really know what it's about, but they hear something in it that connects to them personally. That's why you don't have to tell the whole picture in the lyrics; you give a road to start on that people can relate to."

He’s huge on leaving the lyrics of songs open to interpretation. That convinces me that he is a true artist. He understands that there is never one way to interpret a song. He also has said there are spiritual elements to his songs, but again he doesn’t want to say what his songs are about. So, he leaves them open to interpretation. So, I don’t really agree that Lifehouse is a group that sings predominantly about relationships. I think they sing about many different things.

To not give people the freedom to interpret the song as they will is not really giving people the room for artistic freedom in my opinion. So in advice giving, I don’t think it is necessary to tell people how to interpret a song, because songs mean different things to different people. The sound advice is valid in my opinion, how one should interpret a specific song isn’t. That said, everyone has free will and can critique how they want. I just think it’s unnecessary to judge someone’s own feelings of a song. I don’t have a problem with stating your opinion about my interpretation of the song, but to tell me I’m flat out wrong doesn’t really work for me.

You would edit Doyle to this song in your way. This is my way. I would gather to say, that neither one is wrong.

[QUOTE=vyperman7;3551485]
It is different when a portion of a song is used for one scene in an episode, because you don't hear the song as a whole. Usually they just come in with the chorus, and cut the song off after 20-30 seconds. If you only hear one part of the song for a short period of time, then I could see it working with a scene from GA. But if you hear the whole song and no romance, it might come off differently.

In Grey’s Anatomy the song was used for more than 20-30 seconds. But anyway, here you go again, trying to “prove” to me that a possible interpretation of the song is wrong. And GA using it as other than romantic is valid because they don’t play the whole song; which then tells me that because I play the song for more than 30 seconds it then becomes invalid because the audience can hear lyrics that might relate to a romantic break up. Again, I don’t need anyone proving to me that their interpretation of a song is right, and mine is wrong. I think songs can mean different things to different people.

Basically what I’m getting at here, is that you seem to be implying that I’ve never listened to the song as a whole, or read the lyrics, which is not the case. When I edit, I do edit to the lyrics. I studied literary analysis. That’s what I do. Why then would I make a video and not analyze the song I’m using? That would go against everything I try to do in editing. I bet if you watched my videos from start to finish, you would notice, that one thing I do, do is edit to lyrics and try to find meaning in my videos. I don’t just pick random clips. I might not be a professional. Heck, I’ve only been editing for less than a year (for fun). But I’m pretty sure I pay attention to lyrics and I find truth in the song in a way that I understand.


I wanted to list the lyrics and point out why I thought it was refering to a romantic relationship :

Thanks for adding that sentence. Earlier, when you just put up the lyrics I thought you were being a smart aleck, and thought I was somehow not clever enough to have read the lyrics for myself. And I read your interpretation, which again I think is very valid. I want to point out that I have never said this song isn't or can't be about romantic love. I think it can be open to different meanings, that's all. And romantic relationships is one of them.

Now I will do what it is I do, and interpret this song. I want to point out again that I don’t disagree that this song can be about a romantic relationship. But I think there also might be more to it under the surface. I think there are different possibilities and all are valid.

From a quick reading, there are four basic ways I could interpret this song. (Others might find more)

1) It’s about a guy who has a bad break-up. It breaks his heart, and yet he still finds himself holding onto the girl he loved. (This is how you interpret it; I just want to point out that if everyone were to edit this to mean “exactly” what these lyrics say in the romantic way, then wouldn’t the only valid videos to this song be about couples who broke up? Just saying…) This is a valid interpretation, and sometimes I even listen to the song this way, depending on my mood. (which reminds me of this quote by Emerson, where he says our moods shape our perspectives)

2) The second romantic interpretation: It could also be about a guy who is in love with a girl who he’s not sure loves him back or not. So, he’s holding on to the hope that she will love him. He’s broken and she sees the light and goodness in him. So in her, he starts to find meaning in his life. So, nothing about a break up in this interpretation.

3) It could be interpreted to be religious; it could be about a broken man, who wants to have faith, but because of the harshness of life, still doubts. He’s holding on to God. In the song, he never says “She.” He’s seeking meaning, purpose, redemption. He’s holding on to life.

4) The song could simply be a metaphor for holding on to life, nothing religious about it. Many people become broken individuals, but they still go through each day holding on to their life, holding onto meaning. “Holding on to you” could simply mean himself. “You” could be the person in the mirror. He’s holding on to who he is…barely. Sometimes, he could also be holding on to a friend or to life in general.

Now, I’ll go through the lyrics individually:


The broken clock is a comfort
It helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can stop tomorrow
From stealing all my time

The first thing I notice about this stanza, is that he uses the word “broken,” and the word “time.” He also uses “clock.” The visual imagery this creates is specific. Time has stopped. The broken clock tells us that time has stopped moving for him. And because the clock is broken, he can now live in the moment and not worry about what is to come. No matter what the song was intended to mean, it seems that this individual is clearly broken. At this point, he’s avoiding his problems. He doesn’t want his problems to take up his whole life. Whether, it’s through a break up, unrequited love, a mistake or a sin, or depression, he wants to sleep and not have to think about it. He can think about it tomorrow.

And I am here still waiting
Though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best
Like you've already figured out

First romantic perspective: When I read this, I imagine this lone individual sitting alone at his house, just thinking; thinking and waiting. If it’s meant romantically, then he’s waiting for the girl he loves to come back, even though he has his doubts about it. He knows he’s lost himself, and he knows that she knows this about him. Perhaps she left him for his bad choices. Hence, the term “broken.” He has more than a broken heart; he has a broken soul because of his choices or because of his life experiences.

Second romantic perspective: It could also mean that he’s waiting for the girl he loves to come around. He’s hoping that one day she will love him, even though he’s doubtful about it. He knows she sees him for who he is, which is probably one of the reasons he loves her.

Religious perspective: From a religious perspective, this could mean that he’s waiting for an answer to a prayer. His doubts reveal a lack of faith. He feels guilt for who he is, and knows (or thinks he knows) how God sees him. Again, it goes back to this theme of being “broken.”

Humanist perspective: From a humanist perspective, this stanza could mean that he has a lack of faith in himself. He could simply be telling himself that he’s damaged inside, but “you” already know this. He doesn’t know if he can overcome these feelings of loss and doubt inside. He doesn’t like who he is. He doesn’t know if he can change and become the person he wants to become. Lex luthor comes to mind in this stanza honestly. I can visually see him standing in his bathroom staring at himself in the mirror looking into his own broken eyes. Will the darkness overcome him? Or will he ultimately find his way to the light?


I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
That's still beating
In the pain
There is healing
In your name
I find meaning
So I'm holding on
I'm holding on
I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to you

Romantic perspective: He’s falling apart because the loss of the woman he loved is too much to bear. He can’t breathe, his heart is broken. But then he switches gears. He has hope. Hope enters with the word “beating.” Then he goes on to say, that through the pain he will also be able to heal. She is his hope. He’s holding on to her, because she’s all he has.

Second romantic perspective: He’s falling apart, because he can’t bear to be without the woman he loves. But yet, there’s hope that she does love him, even though he sees himself as a monster (kind of like mick and beth). So, he’s not only holding on to the idea that she might love him, but he also could be holding onto the idea that she might help him heal whatever is broken inside of him. Healing hints toward redemption and atonement. And part of his redemption comes through her love for him.

Religious perspective: He’s lost to put it bluntly. So, he’s holding on to God in hopes of finding forgiveness. Many times in religion the term “broken heart” is used to describe humility. And through a broken heart, you can then begin to heal. You can be forgiven. “In your name” could simply be referring to God or Jesus depending on what you believe. Many people when they pray actually say, “in ….name….amen. If you’re a Christian you might fill that space with Jesus. IE: In Jesus’ name….amen. So could the singer be referring to some kind of higher power here? I think it’s possible. He’s found meaning in God, and he’s holding on to him. He’s barely holding on to what he feels is the right path.

Humanist perspective: Let’s continue to look at this verse through Lex’s perspective. He’s falling apart and is barely able to hold it all together, because he hasn’t made the best choices in his life. But he still feels hope inside that he can overcome this darkness. Again, he’s barely holding on to himself. He’s trying to heal from all of his heartache. But he’s barely on the line. He could easily cross over to the dark side if you will. At any time he could completely fall apart. Could “in your name” simply be referring to a friend? Someone who believes in you and gives you hope and meaning in your life? From Lex’s POV in earlier seasons might this simply mean that through his friendship with Clark, he has found a reason to still hold on?

The broken locks were a warning
You got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded
I'm an open book instead
And I still see your reflection
Inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose
They're still looking for life

Both Romantic Perspectives: Again the word broken. I’m sensing a theme here. This stanza really delves into the world of metaphor. Okay…the broken locks represent his walls. He built up this defense to protect himself from getting hurt. So, when he says that the locks are broken, he’s saying that the walls he built to protect himself have collapsed. They collapsed when she came into his life. He opened up to her against his better judgment. Now, that she’s gone he can still feel her presence in his life. The last two lines could be from either his or her perspective. If it’s from his, then he’s looking for purpose, and probably love in his own life. And she was helping him find it. She could in fact be his purpose and reason for living. If it’s from her perspective, then he’s remembering how she searched inside his soul (this reminds me of Jane Eyre) and looked for purpose and life inside of him. She’s a light to him, if you will. Again, this could be about a break up, or it might not. It could be about unrealized or unrequited feelings for someone.

Religious Perspective: He built up walls and wanted to rely on himself. But somehow, God found his way into his life. He wanted to doubt, and to not believe, but he opened up his heart to God anyway. When he talks about reflection, he could mean that he sees the light of God in his eyes. And in his life, he’s looking for meaning, purpose, destiny, etc… Also, the last two lines could be him imagining God looking into his soul. He’s searching for something other than emptiness in his eyes. Again, this all goes back to being broken. Can he be healed? Can he find redemption? Can he find purpose? Or will he always be broken? He still has a lack of faith. But yet, there’s a part of him that does have faith, which is why he opens up. There’s a tad of cynicism in the tone of this song.

Humanist Perspective: He let his guard down, and for once in a long while he was able to look at himself and see who it is he really has become. He was guarded because he didn’t want to believe that he had become this broken individual…this lost soul. The reflection could simply be…his reflection. He metaphorically could be looking at the man in the mirror. He’s searching inside of himself for meaning and purpose. He still sees hope in himself, even though he’s filled with all of this emptiness.

Chorus repeat

I'm hanging on another day
Just to see what you will throw my way
*And*I'm hanging on to the words you say
You said that I will
I will be okay

Both Romantic Perspectives: Easy; He’s holding on another day with the hope that she will either give him another chance, forgive him for whatever happened in their relationship, or that she’ll come around and finally realize that he’s the one. Or even, that one day he’ll be able to move on. He still loves her, which is why he clings to some kind of hope that her words might give a clue to her feelings for him. He’s attentive to her in a sense. She’s telling him, that he’ll be able to make it through this difficult time. Or it could mean (if we’re not talking about a break up), that he’s holding on to hope that one day she will love him as he loves her. She believes in him and tells him that he will be okay, that he is a good person.

Religious perspective: He’s holding on to his life, and he wants to know what God has in store for him. Many people refer to God or a higher power giving them obstacles to test their strength. He wants to find out how strong he is, even though he’s not sure if he is strong. He could be holding on to the word of God, which could mean different things. Perhaps it means scriptures. And if you’re on the right path then the scriptures tell you that you will be okay, that you will make it.

Humanist perspective: He’s holding on to each day, just trying to get by. He doesn’t know what life has in store for him. In fact “you” could just be a metaphor for life. Again, here he could be referring to a friend who’s telling him he can make it through. IE: Like Angel when he tells Doyle that you never know how strong you are until you’re tested. Angel pretty much believes that Doyle is strong and he’ll be okay…if you will.


Broken lights on the freeway
Left me here alone
I may have lost my way now
Haven't forgotten my way home

Chorus repeat

I'm holding on
I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to you

Both Romantic perspectives: Literally, this stanza means that he’s driving on the freeway, but there are no lights. He’s lost. But he knows his way home anyway. But, obviously this stanza is not meant to be taken literally. Metaphorically, this could mean that he’s made some choices that have left him broken inside. But…here comes the hope. He knows his way back home. And she is that home. He’s heading toward her. He’s holding on till he can get to her. Whether it’s to ask for her forgiveness because of a break up, or to go and find her to tell her he loves her, it isn’t quite clear. But either way will work. I like the second one better myself. It makes more sense to me.

Religious perspective: He’s made some bad mistakes in his life, but now he’s remembering that he knows how to find his way back. That he’s going to go home. Whether that means he’s going to hold on to the journey of life until he dies so he can go to heaven, or something similar. You get the idea.

Humanist perspective: It pretty much means something pretty close to the other two. He’s lost his way, but he remembers his way home out of the darkness. So something or someone must represent the light. Could the light be in himself? Is he realizing that once he starts changing, he will be able to find redemption and come out of the darkness? That he will no longer be broken? The light could represent a friend or even someone he loves. He’s holding on to life until he can get where he wants to be.

Well anyway, there you go. I gave evidence to back up at least four different interpretations of the song. I think Jason Wade meant for it to be a little ambiguous so each person can interpret the song individually. I listen to this song, and usually hear all four interpretations depending on my mood. In my video, I mostly used a mix of examples 2-4. But ultimately, I interpreted the song to be about redemption, about being broken, but through love (both romantic and brotherly) and fighting the good fight he is able to finally find the redemption he seeks, and he is no longer broken. (Even though his heart is broken because he will not get to be with the girl he loves because he has to die. He also will not be able to continue his friendship with Angel). It’s all very sad. He’s holding on to the last moments and the last breaths of his life.


**************************************************

I am not offended at all. It would be boring if people always agreed with each other. As a whole we both respect and like each other. But we can also disagree with each other as well. I think the trick is not to take things personally and realize that people will tend to disagree.

I am not offended either. I don’t think people should agree all the time. I’m a huge debater. And I enjoyed interpreting the lyrics. I could write a paper on it now! :) I hope I at least opened your eyes to the possibility that this song could mean different things to different people, and that there's valid evidence to back it up. Honestly, I usually hear this song and imagine it to be the unrequited love version. But I'm kind of a romantic, a cynical romantic, but one all the same.

[vyperman7]

Like I was saying before, I think it is cool you interpreted it differently. I was not trying to say you should follow the crowd. I just wanted you to consider why everyone else sees it as a romantic song. While it may be true that the song could be taken in different ways, I have yet to see an example of anything else besides romance in relation to the song. Maybe I am biased because I am a romantic at heart... :D You do have to admit though that a lot of Lifehouse's music is geared towards romance. I was also taking that into account as well.

I also sent you a PM. Check your box...

I am not offended either. I don’t think people should agree all the time. I’m a huge debater. And I enjoyed interpreting the lyrics. I could write a paper on it now! :) I hope I at least opened your eyes to the possibility that this song could mean different things to different people, and that there's valid evidence to back it up. Honestly, I usually hear this song and imagine it to be the unrequited love version. But I'm kind of a romantic, a cynical romantic, but one all the same.

Ha Ha! Cool. It is funny because I wrote the bit about me being a romantic before I read the very last part of your post. Cool. :) I am that way as well when it comes to romance. Past experiences and the way the world works in general have caused me to become cynical as well. Let's face it. You either get together with somebody and break up. Or the relationship works, you get married, and the marriage ends in divorce..LOL These days people have problems with commitment, etc and it all just goes to hell.

Just out of curiosity, when it was used on GA how long was the scene? If a show does use a whole song, it is usually for a montage of different images. Most of the time what they will do is use a small part of a song on a certain scene. I am just curious how the scene was handled.

[Autumn]

Like I was saying before, I think it is cool you interpreted it differently. I was not trying to say you should follow the crowd. I just wanted you to consider why everyone else sees it as a romantic song. While it may be true that the song could be taken in different ways, I have yet to see an example of anything else besides romance in relation to the song. Maybe I am biased because I am a romantic at heart... :D You do have to admit though that a lot of Lifehouse's music is geared towards romance. I was also taking that into account as well.

But you still miss my point. I've never said, that I don't see it as being a romantic song. If you read my interpretations of the lyrics, I pointed out that I see two different romantic possibilities for the song. So, there's no need for me to consider it. I understand it perfectly. And you are very stubborn, because I gave detailed evidence supporting why other people could interpret the song in other ways. That doesn't mean you have to interpret it that way! :) And I actually think that many of Lifehouses's songs can be more than just romantic. Like I said, their songs are open to interpretation. And the group itself have made that clear, that's that how they want it in many interviews. And I think that's great! And I think that each individual will interpret the song to mean something entirely different than the person next to them. And I think that's a beautiful thing. So, I love to watch how different people interpret the same song, because it's almost always different.

And yes, everyone has a certain bias to how they interpret things. I've actually been working on this one screenplay (it's my most personal project) that uses art as a metaphor for life. And it's all about perspective, and how each one of us is shut in a prison of glass from which we cannot escape. Meaning, we all see things through a distorted lens. When you look out through glass, you're vision becomes slightly skewed. It's the same thing in life. We all see things through our own biased perspective. Our eyes become thinly veiled glasses.


a Ha! Cool. It is funny because I wrote the bit about me being a romantic before I read the very last part of your post. Cool. :) I am that way as well when it comes to romance. Past experiences and the way the world works in general have caused me to become cynical as well. Let's face it. You either get together with somebody and break up. Or the relationship works, you get married, and the marriage ends in divorce..LOL These days people have problems with commitment, etc and it all just goes to hell.

I'm cynical in a way because I'm mistrusting. Yet, I love to watch romantic films and I love to read romantic novels (not the trashy kind; I hate melodrama). More like Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen style! I guess you could say I'm a very contradictory person. Even most of my writing and videos has some kind of romantic angle to it. So, I'm kind of an optimist, an independent optimist. Because I believe that there are people who find true happiness in love. And I've seen it happen. But I guess I'm cynical because I'm not sure if I believe that it could happen for me and again I don't trust guys very easily! And I'm a little snarky and Veronica Marsish by nature, and that can scare the crap out of guys for sure. This Broken song I can relate to in a way, because I have walls the size of Jericho. And no one's getting in! :) I think it's great that you're a cynical romantic as well! I think it's a funny term.


Just out of curiosity, when it was used on GA how long was the scene? If a show does use a whole song, it is usually for a montage of different images. Most of the time what they will do is use a small part of a song on a certain scene. I am just curious how the scene was handled.

I re-watched the scene. It takes place in a hospital room, as well as the hallway outside of the room where everyone looks inside. The whole cast was there. The song started when this woman layed her hands on a child to heal him. Then the song played as it moved from person to person focusing on their faces and their emotions as they all looked at the toddler as well as at each other. The scene lasted for more than two minutes and played half of the song. They seemed to use the song in the same way I did. They seemed to use it from all four perspectives of my interpretations of the song depending on who the character was, meaning they were showing visually the different possibilities of the song, which made me love the song even more. It was a very moving scene. I hardly ever watch GA anymore because it became too melodramatic for me, but that was a good episode.

[Autumn]

I know it's been a couple days. But honestly this song's been haunting me since I edited Doyle (Glenn) to it. And well, there is a 5th interpretation I get from the song now. What if the song could also be about death? The person singing is mourning the loss of someone they love, so with a broken heart they continue to hold onto the person they loved who has died. It could be a parent mourning the loss of a child. It could be a husband mourning the loss of his wife. It could be someone mourning the loss of a friend. Well you get the idea.

[gategod]

Aww, I really liked it, it got really sad really fast, and the end almost made me hold back a tear. I loved Doyle, and this was a very cute/sad video. I liked it! So sad

[sweet_whispers]

I personally loved this video....I loved Doyle/Glenn.....but I would have loved to have had the whole line..."too bad we'll never know....if this is a face you could learn to love" (quoting from memory...so sorry if it isn't exactly correct :rotfl: )

Good job!

[Autumn]

Aww, I really liked it, it got really sad really fast, and the end almost made me hold back a tear. I loved Doyle, and this was a very cute/sad video. I liked it! So sad

Thanks! And yes, it did get very sad. We felt sad making it. Thanks for the comment!

----- Added 1 Minutes later -----

I personally loved this video....I loved Doyle/Glenn.....but I would have loved to have had the whole line..."too bad we'll never know....if this is a face you could learn to love" (quoting from memory...so sorry if it isn't exactly correct :rotfl: )

Good job!

Thanks! We're glad some people like it. And we wanted to put that whole line in, but we ran out of time unfortunately. I'm sure in the future we will definitely use that whole line because it's one of my favorites. And I think that is the exact quote. So, you have a good memory! :)