Like a Stone

On a cobweb afternoon in a room full of emptiness By a freeway, I confess I was lost in the pages Of a book full of death, reading how we'll die alone And if we're good, we'll lay to rest anywhere we want to go In your house I long to be Room by room patiently I'll wait for you there like a stone I'll wait for you there alone And on my deathbed I will pray to the gods and the angels Like a pagan to anyone who will take me to heaven To a place I recall, I was there so long ago The sky was bruised, the wine was bled, and there you led me on In your house I long to be Room by room, patiently I'll wait for you there like a stone I'll wait for you there alone, alone And on I read until the day was gone And I sat in regret of all the things I've done For all that I've blessed, and all that I've wronged In dreams until my death I will wander on In your house I long to be Room by room, patiently I'll wait for you there like a stone I'll wait for you there alone, alone

Composer: Tom Morello, Brad J Wilk, Timothy Commerford, Christopher Cornell

In-depth Analysis of 'Like a Stone' by LyricLens AI

Audioslave's 'Like a Stone' is a haunting rock ballad that delves into themes of existential yearning, profound loneliness, and a search for spiritual solace or reunion. Released in 2002, this track became one of the band's signature songs, largely due to Chris Cornell's evocative lyrics and powerful vocal delivery. The song paints a picture of a soul adrift, grappling with the certainty of solitude and death, yet clinging to a fervent hope for a return to a cherished, perhaps spiritual, place.

Central Themes Explored:

Existential Longing: The narrator expresses a deep desire to be in a specific "house," symbolizing a place of peace, belonging, or a spiritual afterlife, away from the "emptiness" and "death" of the material world.
Solitude and Waiting: The repeated line, "I'll wait for you there like a stone," powerfully conveys a passive, unmoving, yet resolute waiting, emphasizing deep loneliness and an enduring commitment to this quest, even in death.
Spiritual Quest & Regret: The lyrics touch on a pagan-like plea to "gods and angels" for passage to a recalled heavenly place, juxtaposed with regret over past actions, suggesting a search for redemption or ultimate peace.

Emotions and Atmosphere:

The song is imbued with a profound sense of melancholy, quiet desperation, and persistent hope. It evokes a contemplative, almost dreamlike atmosphere, reflecting on life, death, and the mysteries beyond. Cornell's voice carries the weight of these emotions, making the listener feel the narrator's deep yearning and the gravity of their spiritual journey. The ambiguity of the "you" being waited for adds to its universal appeal, allowing listeners to project their own lost loves, spiritual beliefs, or desired sanctuaries onto the lyrics.

Ultimately, 'Like a Stone' is a poignant meditation on the human condition, the search for meaning in a solitary existence, and the enduring hope for connection or transcendence.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'Like a Stone' by Audioslave

What is the main meaning behind 'Like a Stone'?

'Like a Stone' explores themes of profound loneliness, spiritual longing, and the yearning for a return to a cherished, perhaps heavenly, place. The narrator expresses a deep desire to reunite with someone or something significant, waiting patiently and enduringly, "like a stone." It also touches on regret and the search for peace beyond life.

Who is Chris Cornell waiting for in the song?

The "you" in the song is intentionally ambiguous, allowing for multiple interpretations. It could refer to a lost loved one, a divine entity, a spiritual homeland, or even a past self. This ambiguity makes the song's theme of longing universally relatable, inviting listeners to project their own deepest desires onto the lyrics.

What does the phrase "like a stone" symbolize?

The phrase "like a stone" symbolizes an unwavering, patient, and enduring wait, often associated with a sense of immobility, permanence, and perhaps even emotional numbness or resilience in solitude. It reflects a deep-seated commitment to waiting, regardless of time or circumstance, until a reunion or spiritual fulfillment occurs.

Fun Facts:

'Like a Stone' was Audioslave's most successful single, reaching number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks and Modern Rock Tracks charts in 2003.
The song's music video, directed by Meiert Avis, features the band performing in an abandoned house, visually complementing the lyrical themes of emptiness and waiting.
Many fans interpret the song as a reflection of Chris Cornell's spiritual struggles and personal quest for meaning, making it one of his most deeply personal compositions.