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.
Walk along the river, sweet lullaby
It just keep on flowing
They don't worry 'bout where it's goin', no, no
Don't fly mister blue bird
I'm just walking down the road
Early morning sunshine tell me all I need to know
You're my blue sky, you're my sunny day
Lord, you know it makes me high
When you turn your love my way
Turn your love my way, yeah
Good ol' Sunday morning bells are ringing everywhere
Goin' to Carolina, it won't be long and I'll be there
You're my blue sky, you're my sunny day
Lord, you know it makes me high
When you turn your love my way
Turn your love my way, yeah, yeah
It just keep on flowing
They don't worry 'bout where it's goin', no, no
Don't fly mister blue bird
I'm just walking down the road
Early morning sunshine tell me all I need to know
You're my blue sky, you're my sunny day
Lord, you know it makes me high
When you turn your love my way
Turn your love my way, yeah
Good ol' Sunday morning bells are ringing everywhere
Goin' to Carolina, it won't be long and I'll be there
You're my blue sky, you're my sunny day
Lord, you know it makes me high
When you turn your love my way
Turn your love my way, yeah, yeah
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More Featured Meanings
No Surprises
Radiohead
Radiohead
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.
this song would be in the soundtrack of my life
Its a tribute to mother nature, good friends, peace, love and all that happy stuff. Just a beautiful song performed by some of the best musicians and two of the best guitarists ever.
This song makes me happy : )
Close your eyes and let Duanne Allman & Dickey Betts take you on a journey to paradise. Duane was one of the greatest guitarist ever. This is one of his masterpieces.
This song reminds me of one of those beautiful days where everything is just right and you get this overwhelming feeling of happiness.
I think this is one of the funnest songs i have ever heard. Its such a good feeling to cruise through the country and listen to Blue Sky on a great sunny day. I love the guitar solos throughout the song.
I understand the song is a tribute to Dickey Betts girlfriend of the time Sandy "Bluesky". The two of them had a daughter Jessica who was the inspiration for the song of the same name. Amazing song.
this song is perfect. love it.
Anybody know whether Duane or Dickey plays the first solo?
Dickey and Duane only played this song twice in concert before Duanes passing. In both concerts Duane played the first lead..dicky next. However on the album (East a Peach) If you listen carefully Duane starts, then Dickey, then Duane, then Dickey..again if you listen carefully and listen to the breaks in the song it's two different guitars! (Duane was playing his 58 Paul/ Dickey an SG) They go back and forth throughout both leads! Just listen carefully and you'll hear the lead changes. I had always thought they were playing back and forth but never confirmed....until I had a conversation about 20 years ago with Doug Grey about of the Marshall Tucker Band (MTB was also a Capricorn artist) and he confirmed it for me.
Love this song. I adore listening to it just after I wake up on a calm, sunny Sunday or Saturday morning.