The Sound of Settling Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Frank7734 

Cover art for The Sound of Settling lyrics by Death Cab for Cutie

This song is really straightforward. It's just about being too shy to say something to someone.

"I've got a hunger Twisting my stomach into knots. That my tongue has tied off."

The "hunger" is his desire to talk to someone (it implies a girl), and it's turning his stomach into knots as he nervously contemplates it. He's tongue tied though.

"My brain's repeating "If you've got an impulse let it out" But they never make it past my mouth."

In his head is telling him to say something, but he can't bring the words up so they get past his mouth.

"Bop ba,Bop ba, this is the sound of settling Bop ba, Bop ba"

"bop ba" is gibberish which is all he can get out. It becomes the sound of settling because it's the noise which marks his settling into place. He can't move outside of his shy silence, so he settles.

"Our youth is fleeting, Old age is just around the bend. And I can't wait to go gray."

This is probably him thinking about how it will be easier when he's old and gray, there won't be the pressure that there is when you're young to go out and talk and date and fall in love.

"And I'll sit and wonder Of every love that could've been. If I'd only thought of something charming to say."

This ties it all together, stating overtly that he's missed chances at love because he couldn't find anything to say.

Song Meaning

I'm quite sure the current one is beautiful and bright, and the next one will be as well. Have a great spring and summer!