Interpretation:

Darryl: You know that a group named Hoobastank has to have a sense of humor. "The Reason" has humor that bites. The sarcasm drips from each word as the singer mocks his former lover. She obviously thinks her poop don't stink, blaming the singer for all of their problems. I can just see her whining about how mean he was to her when he didn't act just the way she wanted.

When he says, "I'm sorry that I hurt you. It's something I must live with everyday," I just have to laugh.

Jerry: Well, my communist buddy, I do agree that your version of the song could be taken that way, especially by a communist bastard that doesn't realize how patriotic this song is. This song is absolutely and completely patriotic. I realized the meaning of this song after seeing both a Navy and and Army commercial late one night a few weeks back. This song is an apology from a person who, in his younger more naive years, bad mouthed the US and did a bit of flag burning. The terror attacks on 9/11 changed all of us. In his case he realized what the US meant to him and that he wanted to do something to preserve his freedom and way of life. So he's singing this song to the US as he is being sent to Iraq.

Essentially he is saying that he finally decided to "Be all the he can be!", and the reason is to serve his country that he loves so much. His guilt for his discrepancies in younger years tears him apart, but he knows he is now doing the right thing.

Darryl: Jerry, I apologize for previously saying you were a communist. Now can you PLEASE stop trying to prove you're a patriot? You don't have to make up wild theories about songs just to convince the readers. Really!

Anyway, you've got to have sympathy for the singer and everything he must have put up with. As he says, "I continue learning." Learning the hard way, that is. When he says, "A reason to start over new and the reason is you," I want to applaud. "Yeah! Dump the whiny prima donna!"

Jerry: I'm not trying to prove anything, this is what the song is about! And when the hell did YOU turn into Tom Leykis?! "Dump that bitch!" "Kick her to the curb!" For the love of Buddha's hairy left nipple, GET A GRIP!

Have you not watched any armed service commercials? They let you know how little you know and how worthless your life is. They then show you that joining their service is the way to becoming smart, rich and happy. They also point out that you are a complete and udder non-patriotic bastard if you don't join.

Alright, imagine some background music, some tanks and planes and computers everywhere. Then a lone voice says, "I've found a reason for me to change who I used to be!" Is that, or is that not an armed forces commercial?!

Darryl: You've got me there. That definitely sounds like an armed forces commercial. Now that you mention it I remember hearing that Hoobastank, Metallica, and Barbra Streisand are planning on providing the sound track for an upcoming US propaganda film for children. I believe it's called, "Always Report On Your Parents. (They're Probably Pinkos.)"

Are you NUTS?!? Do you really think a rock group is going to be getting a huge hit singing an army recruitment song? Whether or not you like the "Kick her to the curb" philosopy, it sells. It generates radio ratings and it generates record sales. Furthermore, it would generate better relationships if both men and women knew that there was a price to pay for being a complete LOSER! Instead, the abused partner usually keeps begging for more. "But I really love her. I can't live without her." Excuse me while I heave.

Jerry: Well OBVIOUSLY they don't go around saying this song is about their contemplation of going into the armed forces! That would kill their sales!!! However, if you are right about this upcoming US propaganda, it's possible the government is using its lesser known powers to increase the popularity of this song. Excuse me while I get my foil hat to keep the mind wash rays out... Subliminal bastards!!!

Anyway, going back to reality... We have done plenty of songs that have proved to be about something completely different than what they sound like they are about. How about Seal - Kiss From A Rose? Many STUPID people think that is just a drug song! Your interpretation is nice and all. I admit that I would like to think it is about putting that bitch in her place. I do, however, think that my interpretation is, beyond a doubt, the more accurate of the two. You are just too busy polishing your Stalin lunch box to see the light.

Darryl - Summary: In the spirit of compromise let's conclude that "The Reason" is saying you need to dump your Commie Bastard girlfriend and go fight in foreign lands for the good ole USA!

Hoobastank - The Reason

I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
Thats why i need you to hear

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is You

and the reason is you
and the reason is you
and the reason is you

I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you