Written by: Derek Webb
Appears on: Guild 2
Lyrics:
We’ve been working on this thing for eight long years
And I think its time that we just let go
Well I can’t tell if it’s history, or maybe just bad math
But if I leave now then I may never go
And I’m the wrong man for the job
And that’s the way it is
And I, I’m the wrong man for the job
As long as I shall live
For better or for worse, we both know I’m the wrong man for the job
Well I’ve always hated math, but I love history
Just like I hate no one and I love you
Isn’t it coincidence, it’s a mystery
Cause if you then I’ve not a clue
It’s like I ripped my arm right off and left it
Well I guess it wasn’t mine at all
I’ve been working on this thing for eight long years
And I think it’s time that we just let go
See also: MusicBrainz.
This song was written in regards to an ongoing relationship Derek had, and finally decided to let go of. Derek has never openly admitted about whom this song was written.
“It’s like I ripped my arm right off and left it well I guess it wasn’t mine at all”…Here, he’s saying that he’s been with this person for so long, that being without her is like getting rid of part of himself (his arm). But as it turns out, what was so familiar to him actually wasn’t his to keep forever.