This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
I'm nicotine
I'm coming clean
I fooled the crowd
when i made it sound
like i was more than ready
strike up the band,
deprive my sleep,
cause theres no love
like appathy.
the bell that tolls
rings loud enough
that it should have
woke us up.
chorus-
im trying to find truth in words,
in rhymes and notes
in all the things i wish i wrote
cause i feel like ive been losing you.
i read your last entry,
overprivelidged kids keep crying.
they need to fit in,
its harder when living life from a screen.
old classmates please drop all your pens,
dont write a word cause i wont reply
and im not bitter, no
its just ive past that point in my life.
chorus-
im trying to find truth in words,
in rhymes and notes
in all the things i wish i wrote
cause i feel like ive been losing you.
each night it ends too soon.
you dont hold me like you used to
and your eyes look like theyve seen too much cause
its always some excuse--
too tired, too obtuse.
you look so far removed.
this time i fear im losing losing you.
m nicotine.
im a cash machine.
im the color green
and you should have seen
the looks i just received.
i need a reason to let go.
an intervention, a lullaby.
something to cure me,
please believe me.
I'm coming clean
I fooled the crowd
when i made it sound
like i was more than ready
strike up the band,
deprive my sleep,
cause theres no love
like appathy.
the bell that tolls
rings loud enough
that it should have
woke us up.
chorus-
im trying to find truth in words,
in rhymes and notes
in all the things i wish i wrote
cause i feel like ive been losing you.
i read your last entry,
overprivelidged kids keep crying.
they need to fit in,
its harder when living life from a screen.
old classmates please drop all your pens,
dont write a word cause i wont reply
and im not bitter, no
its just ive past that point in my life.
chorus-
im trying to find truth in words,
in rhymes and notes
in all the things i wish i wrote
cause i feel like ive been losing you.
each night it ends too soon.
you dont hold me like you used to
and your eyes look like theyve seen too much cause
its always some excuse--
too tired, too obtuse.
you look so far removed.
this time i fear im losing losing you.
m nicotine.
im a cash machine.
im the color green
and you should have seen
the looks i just received.
i need a reason to let go.
an intervention, a lullaby.
something to cure me,
please believe me.
Lyrics submitted by laurreennnn4
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No Surprises
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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.
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/
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.
I love the lines "I'm trying to find truth in words, In rhymes and notes In all the things I wish I wrote 'Cause I feel like I've been losing you."
Because it's exactly what I do. I live through lyrics of songs, words that I wish I could have written to say how I really feel. Also, the part about old classmates really hits home for me too, because I'd really rather not hear from a lot of my old classmates. Because I'm past what's happened, and I just don't care anymore.
Maybe I'm crazy or it's the fact this is happening to me now, but I think it's about leaving school. At least, that's what this is to me:
"I fooled the crowd when i made it sound like I was more than ready." Going to college or the real world.
"I'm trying to find truth in words in rhymes and notes in all the things I wish I wrote." Yearbooks, etc., before you leave and head in separate directions.
"Don't write a word cause i wont reply and I'm not bitter, no, it's just I've past that point in my life." Growing up.
each night it ends too soon. you dont hold me like you used to and your eyes look like theyve seen too much cause its always some excuse-- too tired, too obtuse. you look so far removed. this time i fear im losing losing you.
m nicotine. im a cash machine. im the color green and you should have seen the looks i just received.
i need a reason to let go. an intervention, a lullaby. something to cure me, please believe me.
I know it's more of a stretch to apply it to the second half of the song, but still.
this is one of my favorite songs that the format sings. i dont know why it just lures me in. and it is amazing. it is just beautiful and so is nate :D
I'm nicotine<br /> I'm coming clean<br /> I fooled the crowd<br /> when i made it sound<br /> like i was more than ready<br /> (I'm nicotine I'm coming clean is saying he is coming clean from the bad life or old life he he is in.i fooled the crowd when i made it sound like i was more than ready could have a number of meanings. In my opinion the meaning is saying no one expected him to make the change he is making or about to make.)<br /> <br /> strike up the band,<br /> deprive my sleep,<br /> cause theres no love<br /> like appathy.<br /> the bell that tolls<br /> rings loud enough<br /> that it should have<br /> woke us up.<br /> (You really have to look into this stanza. It could have a number of meanings but in my opinon he is saying wake me up(strike up the band deprive my sleep is suppose to make the listener think of loud noises and sleep deprivation which are two things that make you awake. The bell that tollds rings loud enough that it should have woke us up means that we should have listened long ago or we should have woke up along ago and listened to advice because if we didnt we would be trying to "wake up" or get out of this life.)<br /> <br /> chorus-<br /> im trying to find truth in words,<br /> in rhymes and notes<br /> in all the things i wish i wrote<br /> cause i feel like ive been losing you.<br /> (This stanza means he is trying to find way to a new start or new life, to dig out of his old or current life by writing and singing which is his talent. He is trying to make up for regrets or past events that he wish he could take back... maybe not waking up to the bells that were tolling.....he is doing all of this to try to have a fresh start with a lover Because lately its been the same old and hasnt been working. he needs to find a new way and will be passionate in doing so.)<br /> <br /> i read your last entry,<br /> overprivelidged kids keep crying.<br /> they need to fit in,<br /> its harder when living life from a screen.<br /> old classmates please drop all your pens,<br /> dont write a word cause i wont reply<br /> and im not bitter, no<br /> its just ive past that point in my life.<br /> ( I read your last entry could mean he read something his lover wrote or is reading something he wrote in the past. overprivalged kids keep crying, they need to fit in, its harder when living life from a screen- this most likely means he is wealthy and never had to do much to get what he wants, and he surrounds himself with all these people that arent really his kind of people.. he is pretending to be himself noted by the connotation living life from a screen which is associated with acting. old classmates please drop all your pends, dont write a note cause i wont reply, and im not bitter no its just ive passed that point in my life- this means he wants all of his peers or maybe even habits that are effecting his love life or life in general need to stop. and he is saying he will not reply to those habits anymore. he will find a way out whether it be to start a new life or find a new way to be with his lover that will work.)<br /> <br /> chorus-<br /> im trying to find truth in words,<br /> in rhymes and notes<br /> in all the things i wish i wrote<br /> cause i feel like ive been losing you.<br /> (see first chorus)<br /> <br /> each night it ends too soon.<br /> you dont hold me like you used to<br /> and your eyes look like theyve seen too much cause<br /> its always some excuse--<br /> too tired, too obtuse.<br /> you look so far removed.<br /> this time i fear im losing losing you.<br /> (Each night it ends to soon means he is not enjoying life and its just passing away, whether it be with his lover or just life in general.. he is saying his life is meaningless right now. You dont hold me like you used to and your eyes look like they've seen to much- this means his lover is growing tired of him and he knows this by the way she has a lack of intimacy toward him and his lovers eyes seeing to much just means that his lover is sick of him. its always some excuse, to tired to obtuse- this means that there relationship is getting boring and his lover never wants to do anyhting spontaneous or maybe just anything at all because his lover is either too tired or what he wants to do is to big to handle.)<br /> <br /> m nicotine.<br /> im a cash machine.<br /> im the color green<br /> and you should have seen<br /> the looks i just received.<br /> (i'm nicotine, im a cash machine, im the color green- in the begining of the song he says he is nicotine and is coming clean meaning he is in his bad habited life but is trying to clean up. IN this stanza he is saying he is nicotine and a cash machine and also the color green. this could mean things are working out.. the color green is money and it is associated with the cash machine. money going where its suppose to might be a metaphor for things are going the way he wants/needs them too. When he says he should, you should have seen the look i just recieved, i have no idea what that means=///)<br /> <br /> i need a reason to let go.<br /> an intervention, a lullaby.<br /> something to cure me,<br /> please believe me. <br /> (THis stanza he is simply saying he needs reason to let go of all these habits that are causing his bad or naive life, such as an intervention... which will supposedly fix what is broken in his relationship, or a lullaby which is associated with goodbye. he is saying lets fix this or end it... just something to cure me from what i am living right now. please believe me just means he is serious about what he is saying.)<br />
I'm nicotine<br /> I'm coming clean<br /> I fooled the crowd<br /> when i made it sound<br /> like i was more than ready<br /> (I'm nicotine I'm coming clean is saying he is coming clean from the bad life or old life he he is in.i fooled the crowd when i made it sound like i was more than ready could have a number of meanings. In my opinion the meaning is saying no one expected him to make the change he is making or about to make.)<br /> <br /> strike up the band,<br /> deprive my sleep,<br /> cause theres no love<br /> like appathy.<br /> the bell that tolls<br /> rings loud enough<br /> that it should have<br /> woke us up.<br /> (You really have to look into this stanza. It could have a number of meanings but in my opinon he is saying wake me up(strike up the band deprive my sleep is suppose to make the listener think of loud noises and sleep deprivation which are two things that make you awake. The bell that tollds rings loud enough that it should have woke us up means that we should have listened long ago or we should have woke up along ago and listened to advice because if we didnt we would be trying to "wake up" or get out of this life.)<br /> <br /> chorus-<br /> im trying to find truth in words,<br /> in rhymes and notes<br /> in all the things i wish i wrote<br /> cause i feel like ive been losing you.<br /> (This stanza means he is trying to find way to a new start or new life, to dig out of his old or current life by writing and singing which is his talent. He is trying to make up for regrets or past events that he wish he could take back... maybe not waking up to the bells that were tolling.....he is doing all of this to try to have a fresh start with a lover Because lately its been the same old and hasnt been working. he needs to find a new way and will be passionate in doing so.)<br /> <br /> i read your last entry,<br /> overprivelidged kids keep crying.<br /> they need to fit in,<br /> its harder when living life from a screen.<br /> old classmates please drop all your pens,<br /> dont write a word cause i wont reply<br /> and im not bitter, no<br /> its just ive past that point in my life.<br /> ( I read your last entry could mean he read something his lover wrote or is reading something he wrote in the past. overprivalged kids keep crying, they need to fit in, its harder when living life from a screen- this most likely means he is wealthy and never had to do much to get what he wants, and he surrounds himself with all these people that arent really his kind of people.. he is pretending to be himself noted by the connotation living life from a screen which is associated with acting. old classmates please drop all your pends, dont write a note cause i wont reply, and im not bitter no its just ive passed that point in my life- this means he wants all of his peers or maybe even habits that are effecting his love life or life in general need to stop. and he is saying he will not reply to those habits anymore. he will find a way out whether it be to start a new life or find a new way to be with his lover that will work.)<br /> <br /> chorus-<br /> im trying to find truth in words,<br /> in rhymes and notes<br /> in all the things i wish i wrote<br /> cause i feel like ive been losing you.<br /> (see first chorus)<br /> <br /> each night it ends too soon.<br /> you dont hold me like you used to<br /> and your eyes look like theyve seen too much cause<br /> its always some excuse--<br /> too tired, too obtuse.<br /> you look so far removed.<br /> this time i fear im losing losing you.<br /> (Each night it ends to soon means he is not enjoying life and its just passing away, whether it be with his lover or just life in general.. he is saying his life is meaningless right now. You dont hold me like you used to and your eyes look like they've seen to much- this means his lover is growing tired of him and he knows this by the way she has a lack of intimacy toward him and his lovers eyes seeing to much just means that his lover is sick of him. its always some excuse, to tired to obtuse- this means that there relationship is getting boring and his lover never wants to do anyhting spontaneous or maybe just anything at all because his lover is either too tired or what he wants to do is to big to handle.)<br /> <br /> m nicotine.<br /> im a cash machine.<br /> im the color green<br /> and you should have seen<br /> the looks i just received.<br /> (i'm nicotine, im a cash machine, im the color green- in the begining of the song he says he is nicotine and is coming clean meaning he is in his bad habited life but is trying to clean up. IN this stanza he is saying he is nicotine and a cash machine and also the color green. this could mean things are working out.. the color green is money and it is associated with the cash machine. money going where its suppose to might be a metaphor for things are going the way he wants/needs them too. When he says he should, you should have seen the look i just recieved, i have no idea what that means=///)<br /> <br /> i need a reason to let go.<br /> an intervention, a lullaby.<br /> something to cure me,<br /> please believe me. <br /> (THis stanza he is simply saying he needs reason to let go of all these habits that are causing his bad or naive life, such as an intervention... which will supposedly fix what is broken in his relationship, or a lullaby which is associated with goodbye. he is saying lets fix this or end it... just something to cure me from what i am living right now. please believe me just means he is serious about what he is saying.)<br />
this song must have something to do with the counting crows
FORMAT ROX MY SOX
Wow... im suprised more people havent commented on this song... its sooo good! and The Format is AMAZING.
"overprivileged kids keep crying the need to fit in gets harder when living life from a screen.
old classmates please put down your pens, don't write a word cuz i won't reply, and i'm not bitter, no, it's just i've passed that point in my life."
i just love those lines.
This song is phantasmal, it brightens my day whenever i hear it...actually and fortmat song does! This song is beautifully written...!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THE FORMAT!
In the words of Nate, this song is about "creepy internet people." lol
I love this song!
"i'm trying to find truth in words, in rhymes and notes, in all the things i wish i wrote"
this song is amazing!