Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
Hang around and I'm paranoid
I can't help it now
But I don't know what the people know
I want something to count
Just stay where you are
We're right behind you
Stay where you are
When someone's lookin'
Stay where you are
I might not be the one that's true
But I'm trying, don't you know
Rattle coins in a coffee can
You shuffle on and on
Turn around, turn around
They're burning hotels down
Son, stay where you are
We're right behind you
Stay where you are
I'm always looking
Stay where you are
I might not be the one that's true
But I'm trying, don't you know
Don't you know
Don't hang on, don't let go
Don't aim high, don't aim low
I can't help it now
But I don't know what the people know
I want something to count
Just stay where you are
We're right behind you
Stay where you are
When someone's lookin'
Stay where you are
I might not be the one that's true
But I'm trying, don't you know
Rattle coins in a coffee can
You shuffle on and on
Turn around, turn around
They're burning hotels down
Son, stay where you are
We're right behind you
Stay where you are
I'm always looking
Stay where you are
I might not be the one that's true
But I'm trying, don't you know
Don't you know
Don't hang on, don't let go
Don't aim high, don't aim low
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gohashbrowns! this song is all about "staying where you are." some people have the notion that where you grew up isn't your home and that you have to go searching for it but really home is where you are right now. Home is where people care about you so the band is saying that you don't have to go anywhere, "don't aim high but don't aim low." Very great band looked forward to their sophomore album, I think it's called Mastered or something.
I have no idea what it's about, but I can't believe no one's commented on this song! (Not counting the 4 comments on the one that was spelt wrong) It's quite awesome.
..or "staying where you are" could be talking about keeping a relationship with someone.
..or "staying where you are" could be talking about keeping a relationship with someone.
hmm...i think it's about 2 sweethearts who don't want things to change. they know there's new things to try, but are happy where they are at that time and place.
i can relate to this pretty deeply. i think this song is referring to the protagonist who is madly in love with the other person, but the other person has moved on and no longer cares for the protag. in this way any longer. so the protag. is asking him/her to "stay where you are" and don't move on because he isn't ready/can't yet since he's still trying to "be the one that's true."
This song kicks ass! - but in a soft melodic kinda way- if i could think of a word to describe this song i think i would say its groovy... but overall, i dont know wtf the song is about??
Occam's Razor says... this song is about staying where you are, whatever that means or wherever you are. It's a wonderfully composed song with a delicate balance of all musical elements. It's my favorite song on the album.
Love this song, it has a nice mellow sound to it.
Awesome song! I think of it as 2 people who are unsure of what they want - most probably the relationship between them (doesn't have to be romantic). Things will change soon cos they will both be embarking on new challenges but for now, they will be contented to just stay where they are, maybe because the future is too uncertain (coins rattling in a coffee can, hotels being burned down). Just my take though!