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.
Maybe I'm imagining the things they say about me
Maybe there is really nothing there at all
Standing in the middle while the rumours fly around me
Hiding from a shadow on an empty wall
When my back is turned he's up to something else
And I must not stop believing in myself
Am I dreaming will the nightmare just go on
And never end
Somebody out there, says that he's you
Somebody out there, talks like you do
He calls up your number
And you can't get through somebody out there
Wish that I could run away and leave it all behind me
Wish I wasn't hurt by all the things they say
If I didn't need to know the simple truth about me
Wouldn't it be easier to walk away
And I don't need more confusion in my life
No more pain and disillusion in my life
If I'm dreaming will the nightmare just go on
And never end
Somebody out there, using your name
Somebody out there, you get the blame
There's doubt and suspicion
It's hard to explain somebody out there
And I don't need more confusion in my life
No more pain and disillusion in my life
If I'm dreaming will the nightmare just go on
And never end
Somebody out there, stolen your base
Somebody out there, parked in your space
You've no reservation, he's taken your place
Somebody out there, wasting your time
Somebody out there, using your dime
Your friends think you're crazy
They're way out of line
Somebody out there, says that he's you
Somebody out there, thinks like you do
You stare at the mirror
You're looking into
Somebody out there
Maybe there is really nothing there at all
Standing in the middle while the rumours fly around me
Hiding from a shadow on an empty wall
When my back is turned he's up to something else
And I must not stop believing in myself
Am I dreaming will the nightmare just go on
And never end
Somebody out there, says that he's you
Somebody out there, talks like you do
He calls up your number
And you can't get through somebody out there
Wish that I could run away and leave it all behind me
Wish I wasn't hurt by all the things they say
If I didn't need to know the simple truth about me
Wouldn't it be easier to walk away
And I don't need more confusion in my life
No more pain and disillusion in my life
If I'm dreaming will the nightmare just go on
And never end
Somebody out there, using your name
Somebody out there, you get the blame
There's doubt and suspicion
It's hard to explain somebody out there
And I don't need more confusion in my life
No more pain and disillusion in my life
If I'm dreaming will the nightmare just go on
And never end
Somebody out there, stolen your base
Somebody out there, parked in your space
You've no reservation, he's taken your place
Somebody out there, wasting your time
Somebody out there, using your dime
Your friends think you're crazy
They're way out of line
Somebody out there, says that he's you
Somebody out there, thinks like you do
You stare at the mirror
You're looking into
Somebody out there
Lyrics submitted by Ice
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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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
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.
It's about identity theft, just listen to the chorus.