Very Very Hungry
Brian Eno & David Byrne Lyrics

The lyrics to "Very Very Hungry" by Brian Eno and David Byrne are enigmatic and surreal, full of imagery and metaphors that can be interpreted in various ways. On a surface level, the song is about two lovers who are separated from each other, struggling to cope with their feelings of loneliness and yearning. The first verse sets up this theme, with the singer addressing their absent partner as a "ghost" who haunts them at night, making them cry. The second verse features the singer calling themselves the "beast" who lives off their partner's dreams, suggesting a parasitic or codependent relationship. The chorus is a bittersweet farewell, as the singer turns off the light to embrace the darkness of their solitude, but still misses their lover's presence. The final lines of the song, which repeat the sounds of a phone ringing and someone answering from afar, add another layer of ambiguity to the lyrics, suggesting that perhaps the separation between the two lovers is not just physical, but also psychological or symbolic.

However, the lyrics can also be read as more abstract and philosophical, touching on themes of identity, mortality, and the human condition. The ghost imagery in particular can be seen as a metaphor for the intangible and elusive aspects of ourselves, the parts that we cannot fully grasp or communicate to others. The line about living off someone's dreams could be interpreted as a commentary on the fleeting nature of our aspirations and inspirations, as well as the potential danger of relying too heavily on others for validation or motivation. The repeated use of the word "very" adds a sense of intensification and urgency to the lyrics, implying that whatever the singer is going through is not trivial or insignificant.

Overall, "Very Very Hungry" is a haunting and poetic song that invites multiple interpretations and resonates with different emotions and experiences.