I read an article recently where British researchers had identified "The Drugs Don't Work" by The Verve as the saddest song ever. I think anyone who listens to "Round the Bend" by Beck would respectfully disagree.
In many ways, this is the quintessential song for "Sea Change", a true "breakup album" as bjengles3 stated. It uses a minimal amount of music or lyrical ambiguity to paint a picture of despair.
Above all, "Round the Bend" is about how cruel people can be to each other. When Beck says "People pushing harder, Up against themselves", he is not being cynical or judgmental, he's making an observation.
The first lines of the song, "We don't have to worry, Life goes where it does" are simple, direct, and brilliant. Beck makes it clear from the rest of the lyrics that he wishes he really believed that.
(referring to the first 2 lines) alternately, he may in fact believe it...but wishes he didn't. either way, you might never realize (from those words alone) how bleak the intent. that is, if you weren't hearing the song--the sadness of the tone, the delivery--and of the words which follow.
(referring to the first 2 lines) alternately, he may in fact believe it...but wishes he didn't. either way, you might never realize (from those words alone) how bleak the intent. that is, if you weren't hearing the song--the sadness of the tone, the delivery--and of the words which follow.
I read an article recently where British researchers had identified "The Drugs Don't Work" by The Verve as the saddest song ever. I think anyone who listens to "Round the Bend" by Beck would respectfully disagree.
In many ways, this is the quintessential song for "Sea Change", a true "breakup album" as bjengles3 stated. It uses a minimal amount of music or lyrical ambiguity to paint a picture of despair.
Above all, "Round the Bend" is about how cruel people can be to each other. When Beck says "People pushing harder, Up against themselves", he is not being cynical or judgmental, he's making an observation.
The first lines of the song, "We don't have to worry, Life goes where it does" are simple, direct, and brilliant. Beck makes it clear from the rest of the lyrics that he wishes he really believed that.
I love this song.
(referring to the first 2 lines) alternately, he may in fact believe it...but wishes he didn't. either way, you might never realize (from those words alone) how bleak the intent. that is, if you weren't hearing the song--the sadness of the tone, the delivery--and of the words which follow.
(referring to the first 2 lines) alternately, he may in fact believe it...but wishes he didn't. either way, you might never realize (from those words alone) how bleak the intent. that is, if you weren't hearing the song--the sadness of the tone, the delivery--and of the words which follow.