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.
When the silence embraced you did I
Leave you all alone to cry
When it happens at all the same time
It never seems right
When it's you against everything you can't imagine
It's me that runs to you so I can listen, listen, listen
It's automatic you bring your walls up
In spite I'm shut out I try
But you can't open to find
That it's never alright
When it's you against everything you can't imagine
It's me that runs to you so I can listen, listen, listen
I'm tired of breathing for you
So tired of breathing for you
I'm tired of breathing for you
It's a shame that you never think twice
If you only would realize, what you're doing
When it's you against everything you can't imagine
It's me that runs to you so I can listen, listen, listen
[Chorus]
How did I get to be so lucky
When all of the things did mean nothing
Every time you needed someone I carried you all the way
When it's you against everything you can't imagine
It's me that runs to you so I can listen, listen, listen
[Chorus:Repeat x2]
Leave you all alone to cry
When it happens at all the same time
It never seems right
When it's you against everything you can't imagine
It's me that runs to you so I can listen, listen, listen
It's automatic you bring your walls up
In spite I'm shut out I try
But you can't open to find
That it's never alright
When it's you against everything you can't imagine
It's me that runs to you so I can listen, listen, listen
I'm tired of breathing for you
So tired of breathing for you
I'm tired of breathing for you
It's a shame that you never think twice
If you only would realize, what you're doing
When it's you against everything you can't imagine
It's me that runs to you so I can listen, listen, listen
[Chorus]
How did I get to be so lucky
When all of the things did mean nothing
Every time you needed someone I carried you all the way
When it's you against everything you can't imagine
It's me that runs to you so I can listen, listen, listen
[Chorus:Repeat x2]
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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/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
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.
Damn, I can't believe no one has commented on this song. This is a great song, my favorite by Stereomud. This song is definitely about a one sided relationship where this person wants to have some comfort from the other but the other person always thinks of themself and never the other person. Outstanding lyrics.