So Long, Astoria

Album: So Long, Astoria (2003)
Play Video
  • It was the first snow of the season
    I can almost see you breathing in the middle of that empty street
    Sometimes I still see myself in that lonesome bedroom
    Playing my guitar and singing songs of hope for a better future

    Life is only as good as the memories we make
    And I'm taking back what belongs to me
    Polaroids of classrooms unattended
    These relics of remembrance are just like shipwrecks
    Only they're gone faster than the smell after it rains

    Last night while everyone was sleeping
    I drove through my old neighborhood
    And resurrected memories from ashes.

    We said that we would never fit in
    When we were really just like them
    Does rebellion ever make a difference?

    So long, Astoria, I found a map of buried treasure
    And even if we come home empty handed we'll still have our stories
    Of battlescars, pirate ships, and wounded hearts
    Broken bones and all the best of friendships

    And when this hourglass
    Has filtered out its final grain of sand
    I'll raise my glass to the memories we had
    This is my wish and I'm taking it back
    I'm taking 'em all back Writer/s: KRISTOPHER LEE ROE
    Publisher: Wixen Music Publishing
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 4

  • Spencer from Windsor, Canadait's funny when i got into these guys this song reminded me of that movie because it all made sense and then in history i learned that Astoria was found ed by one of the richest men of our countries history John Astor i think but that might not be his first name.he built the town as a trading compost for his animal skins. Ironic how one of the richest man makes a town that can look so depressing yet fun and adventourous at the same time. I love this song and i love this CD. someday ill visit Astoria.
  • Kathryn from Portland , OrA song about my favorite Oregon town and my favorite childhood movie?? What's not to love!

    Kathryn, Portland, OR
  • Rob from Castaic, CaThe lyrics in this song are simply amazing.
  • Swift from New York, NyAstoria is a neighborhood in Queens, NY. i don't know if there is any connection.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

They Might Be Giants

They Might Be GiantsSongwriter Interviews

Who writes a song about a name they found in a phone book? That's just one of the everyday things these guys find to sing about. Anything in their field of vision or general scope of knowledge is fair game. If you cross paths with them, so are you.

Kim Thayil of Soundgarden

Kim Thayil of SoundgardenSongwriter Interviews

Their frontman (Chris Cornell) started out as their drummer, so Soundgarden takes a linear approach when it comes to songwriting. Kim explains how they do it.

Women Who Rock

Women Who RockSong Writing

Evelyn McDonnell, editor of the book Women Who Rock, on why the Supremes are just as important as Bob Dylan.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."