This song, in its subject matter and lyrics, bears many similarities to the song “Rain” which appeared on the band’s next album, blue. Most striking is the similarity and contrast between the lines “and if you want to know the truth” (“Vision”) and “but nothing hurts you like the truth” (“Rain”).
Take time to look around
Past the lies, look in your soul
Stand mute without a sound
The world is changing
Just look away
And if you want to know the truth
I just don't know what to say
We used to stand for everything
Now I can see it slipping away
Take me away
Take me away
Cause I can't believe that you're the one to fall
I still remember when
We had a vision in our hands
And we gave it to the world
You took your guns and blew yourselves away
In order to be good
Does that mean we must be great?
Everything I thought was wrong
We passed the torch
And now it's gone
And if you want to know the truth
I just don't know what to say
We used to stand for everything
Now I can see it slipping away
Take me away
Take me away
Cause I can't believe that we're the ones to fall
I still remember when
We had a vision in our hands
And we gave it to the world
You took your guns and blew yourselves away
Vision was written by Dave Smalley.
Vision was produced by Brett Gurewitz.