Story of My Life

Album: Social Distortion (1990)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song describes a love interest the singer had as a teenager that he never really acted upon and years later he's looking back wistfully on how things from this childhood have changed and how quickly his life (and the opportunity) has passed him by.
  • The song never reached any of the major charts, but has been used in several movies such as Reality Bites, Orange County and Life or Something Like It. It is considered one of the band's most well known and loved songs by fans.
  • This was included on Social Distortion's 1998 album Live at the Roxy.
  • A cover version of this song is playable on Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jeff - Austin, TX, for all above

Comments: 6

  • Dreambeauty from La Puente,caThe school in the video of 'Story of My Life's is it 'Utah Street' Elementary School?
  • Ken from Philadelphia, PaOddly enough, this song was also featured in the Vince Vaughn-Jennifer Anniston movie, The Breakup. I seem to remember hearing the Vince Vaughn loves the song and got it into the movie, but I can't source it so I may just be creating that story in my head out of snippets of other stories (which is what happens to us all after a certain age).
  • Ivy from Springfield, NeThis is a nice song. I think I've heard it before, but I like it. 7/10
  • Sara from Kenosha, United Kingdomi actually just found this band from my older brother danny, man i love him.But i love this song alot cause its amazing. My favorite song from them is shes a knockout. Its just freiken amazing.
  • Marc from Prior Lake, MnThe guitar hero 3 version is by Social Distortion but not it's the original version from the Social Distortion album (1990). They re-recorded it for their greatest hits album which is the version used on guitar hero 3. Great Song!
  • Kimberly from New Braunfels, TxSome friends of mine did this song for their wedding. Cool song. I love Social D.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Roger McGuinn of The Byrds

Roger McGuinn of The ByrdsSongwriter Interviews

Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"They're Playing My Song

It wasn't her biggest hit as a songwriter (that would be "Bette Davis Eyes"), but "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" had a family connection for Jackie.