Made in the Shade Lyrics
looking at a slideshow on a Sunday
but it's Monday
well how would I know I'd be
looking out the same old window
years later on a Monday thinking
something would come from doing the same thing
on the same old stuff I'm stuck on
just say that it went wrong
and move it along
sayonara till tomorrow
it's just how it goes sometimes
'cause if you think you'll make it you will
go swimming quick like a fish
and every wish will be fulfilled
strike up and start the parade
cutting down the weeds keep slinging the blade
when they fire that warning shot
you'll have a spot made in the shade
feeling like a one way on the down low
flying solo till further delay
easy blame it on procrastination
always hoping somehow
that the nonsense this time will make sense
stuck in circles
faces in the sunshine they never look at mine
people just walk by and keep their eyes low
sayonara till tomorrow
that's how it goes sometimes
This song is a good example how 311 talks about a problem and follows it up with a solution. I really love how the verse describes the problem by being stuck in a rut. The pre-chorus explains how he is starting to realize it and needs to do something about it and the chorus is all about what action needs to be taken in order to rise above. The second verse then repeats this pattern. The verses describe being stuck in a spiraling rut that isn't working and hoping things will somehow change despite this ongoing passive and destructive behavior. The second verse reminds me of The Doors song "People are Strange." "Faces in the sunshine they never look at mine people just walk by and keep their eyes low." He is feeling so low and alone while people are living their happy lives. Everyone can relate to that at some point in their lives. I found the slang defintion of "Made in the shade" means to have succeeded or to be set for life. So the chorus is full of metaphors on how to succeed. Ex. "You gotta keep on climbing the hill. Cause if you think you'll make it you will. Keep swimming quick just like a fish and every wish will be fulfilled" Nick writes about getting out of a rut or a low time in life quite often through out 311's catalog. I think fans really connect to this topic.