Endless Shovel
Rogue Wave Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the market research
they're so fond of that
those beady eyes
the velvet tea cups
the arms on the maps
i'll never know just what i'm doing
i'll never know what is it
i never know what is wrong with you, you know
it feels so bad
the foreign films
the skin and matter
the thoughts on the shelf
the level head
the endless shovel
the fat on the lap
i feel so bad
yet it seems so right
you point out every mistake and complain every night
i'll never know just what I'm screwing
i'll never know what is it
i never know what is wrong with you, you know
it feels so bad
In Rogue Wave's song "Endless Shovel," the lyrics are filled with vivid images that serve to portray the singer's sense of confusion and uncertainty. The opening lines refer to "metal heads" and "market research," hinting at a sense of corporate conformity and consumer culture that the singer finds distasteful. The following lines reference "beady eyes," "velvet tea cups," and "arms on the maps," creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere that suggests the singer is lost in a world that doesn't make sense to him.
The second verse builds on this theme by referencing "foreign films," "skin and matter," and "thoughts on the shelf," all images that suggest a sense of intellectual curiosity and creative exploration. However, the lines "the level head / the endless shovel / the fat on the lap" suggest a sense of inertia and stagnation, as though the singer is trapped in a cycle of mundane routine and cultural sameness. The final two lines of the verse - "i feel so bad / yet it seems so right" - capture the sense of cognitive dissonance and emotional confusion that pervades the song.
Line by Line Meaning
these metal heads
Referring to people who are preoccupied with material possessions or obsessed with consumer culture.
the market research
The act of gathering information about consumer preferences and behaviors in order to make informed business decisions.
they're so fond of that
These metal heads and market researchers are very attached to their respective interests.
those beady eyes
Suggesting that these metal heads and market researchers are watching and scrutinizing everything around them carefully.
the velvet tea cups
Referring to the luxurious and excessive lifestyles these metal heads and market researchers might be living.
the arms on the maps
Perhaps indicating that these metal heads and market researchers are intimately involved in corporate or political territory wars.
i'll never know just what i'm doing
The fear of confusion and uncertainty about one's actions and decisions.
i'll never know what is it
The inability to understand the situation or solve the problem at hand.
i never know what is wrong with you, you know
The inability to comprehend or make sense of other people's thoughts or actions.
it feels so bad
Referring to the feeling of guilt, regret or discomfort with the situation.
the foreign films
The appreciation of creative works and art forms from cultures other than one's own.
the skin and matter
Perhaps hinting at the beauty and complexity of the human body and the world around us.
the thoughts on the shelf
Mental and emotional baggage that is being ignored or trivialized.
the level head
The ability to maintain composure and rationality in stressful or difficult situations.
the endless shovel
A metaphor for repetitive, meaningless and unending work or mental effort that takes a toll on the person doing it.
the fat on the lap
The physical manifestation of overindulgence or a sedentary lifestyle.
i feel so bad
The pervasive feeling of guilt and dissatisfaction.
yet it seems so right
Despite these negative feelings, there is a sense of inevitability or resignation about the situation.
you point out every mistake and complain every night
The frustration and feeling of being unfairly criticized or judged by others.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind