This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Anywhere I go, anything I try
Anyone I love is compromised
Everyone I see, staring on back at me
Why can't you let me be
Oh, so far from home being shallow and alone
And why can't you see its tearing away what I used to be
I'm a shadow of a soul
I don't know how to run, I don't know where to hide.
The old me is dead and gone inside
What will you think of me, when all that you'll ever see
Is only a part of the other me.
Oh, so far from home being shallow and alone
And why can't you see its tearing away what I used to be
I'm a shadow of a soul
Oh, I'm so far from home being shallow and alone
And why can't you see its tearing away what I used to be
I'm a shadow of a soul
Anyone I love is compromised
Everyone I see, staring on back at me
Why can't you let me be
Oh, so far from home being shallow and alone
And why can't you see its tearing away what I used to be
I'm a shadow of a soul
I don't know how to run, I don't know where to hide.
The old me is dead and gone inside
What will you think of me, when all that you'll ever see
Is only a part of the other me.
Oh, so far from home being shallow and alone
And why can't you see its tearing away what I used to be
I'm a shadow of a soul
Oh, I'm so far from home being shallow and alone
And why can't you see its tearing away what I used to be
I'm a shadow of a soul
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More Featured Meanings
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
No Surprises
Radiohead
Radiohead
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.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
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.
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 know this feeling very well. when you turn a corner old traits and attitudes die and the people who knew you when you were the old you feel alienated and intimidated by this new you. they're dogging you and meanwhile, inside you're still learning what you want to think and feel and all the added pressure from everyone around you doesn't make you feel like you add up to much at all. if it were the other way around you know you'd be supportive and accepting of their life choices.
gee.. personal, much? anywho. it's a lonely place. you make a choice for yourself and you're so lost but pushing on because you know that something's got to give and it may as well be you doing the giving.