The lyrics talk about a deep connection with someone, following them faithfully even when they seem to wander away. The speaker expresses frustration, embarrassment, and longing in their relationship with this person, but also highlights moments of wisdom and beauty shared between them, ultimately recognizing the impermanence of their bond and the passage of time.

Meaning of "Tattoo of the Sun" by Third Eye Blind

"Tattoo of the Sun" explores the complexities of a relationship where one person is deeply attached to the other, following them and seeking validation and wisdom from them. The speaker admires the other person’s fearlessness and ability to navigate life with ease, but also feels left behind and ignored at times, leading to moments of frustration and sadness. The imagery of forbidden lakes, summer skies, and cracked leather jackets reflects a sense of nostalgia and longing for past moments of joy and connection, while also hinting at the fleeting nature of those moments. The lines "What will you do when the feeling that you have is through, I need to know ‘cause I’ll never stop hanging on to you" encapsulate the speaker’s struggle to accept the inevitable end of the relationship, highlighting the fear of being left behind and the difficulty of letting go. Ultimately, "Tattoo of the Sun" deals with themes of attachment, impermanence, and the bittersweet nature of human connections.