You're Only Human (Second Wind)

Album: Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (1985)
Charted: 94 9
Play Video
  • You're having a hard time and lately you don't feel so good
    You're getting a bad reputation in your neighborhood
    It's alright
    It's alright
    Sometimes that's what it takes
    You're only human
    You're allowed to make your share of mistakes
    You better believe there will be times in your life
    When you'll be feeling like a stumbling fool
    So take it from me you'll learn more from your accidents
    Than anything that you could ever learn at school
    Don't forget your second wind
    Sooner or' later you'll get your second wind

    It's not always easy to be living in this world of pain
    You're gonna be crashing into stone walls again and again
    It's alright
    It's alright
    Though you feel your heart break
    You're only human
    You're gonna have to deal with heartache
    Just like a boxer in a title fight
    You got to walk in that ring all alone
    You're not the only one who's made mistakes
    But they're the only thing that you can truly call your own
    Don't forget your second wind
    Wait in that corner until that breeze blows in
    You've been keeping to yourself these days
    'Cause you're thinking everything's gone wrong
    Sometimes you just want to lay down and die
    That emotion can be so strong
    But hold on
    Till that old second wind comes along

    You probably don't want to hear advice from someone else
    But I wouldn't be telling you if I hadn't been there myself
    It's alright
    It's alright
    Sometimes that's all it takes
    We're only human
    We're supposed to make mistakes
    But I survived all those long lonely days
    When it seemed I did not have a friend
    'Cause all I needed was a little faith
    So I could catch my breath and face the world again
    Don't forget your second wind
    Sooner or later you'll feel that momentum kick in
    Don't forget your second wind
    Sooner or later you'll feel that momentum kick in Writer/s: BILLY JOEL
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 6

  • Ronald Templeton from New YorkAlthough not really a comment, kinda like a bonus fact. The jingle Guardian Billy plays on his harmonica (In the music video), surprise surprise, is the opening jingle to Piano Man, on of Billy Joel's most famous songs, which is also basically like his logo, of sorts.
  • Vince from Essex Md"Just like a boxer in a title fight
    You have to walk in that ring all alone"
    Indeed!
  • Neil from Detroit, MiThis song has had an immense personal affect on my outlook on life. I recall a time when I was really struggling, and I heard this song on SiriusXM's 80s on 8. It honestly spoke to me in a manner that no one else could have. On a factual note, all of the royalties accumulated from the sales of the single were donated to various suicide prevention agencies.
  • Peter from Fort Mill, ScThe drowning red headed boy was Adam Savage of the Mythbusters.
  • Miles from Vancouver, CanadaI agree. I wish I'd heard the sing years before and it could have made something better of me. I have a disability and I keep "crashing in the stone walls," but I guess he's saying that as long as you don't do yourself in, you'll always get a second chance. Aside from that, it's very catchy.
  • Susan from Airdrie, -I really love this song. It has literally saved my life. I love the message and now that I've learned he's been at that point before makes it even more meaningful. Thanks, Mr. Joel! :)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in Songs

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in SongsSong Writing

Elvis, Little Richard and Cheryl Cole have all sung about Teddy Bears, but there is also a terrifying Teddy song from 1932 and a touching trucker Teddy tune from 1976.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Eric Burdon

Eric BurdonSongwriter Interviews

The renown rock singer talks about "The House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood."

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.