Automatic Flowers
Our Lady Peace Lyrics
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Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
And Sarah thinks she's died here once before
She's crazy
A pop-up book of flowers from grade four
Are driving her insane and
No one knows why
She's sad tonight
No one can help her find
Crying, crying, she couldn't afford the view
Crying, crying, these automatic flowers won't do
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Another brick
Another window frame's confusion
Her garden blooms but Sarah can't see straight
She's drinking herself blind and
No one knows why
She stares outside
No one can help her find
Crying, crying, she couldn't afford the view
Crying, crying, these automatic flowers won't do
These automatic flowers won't do
She never admitted, she never condsidered
That she always means better
She's wasting all her time
Crying, crying, she couldn't afford the view
Crying, crying, these automatic flowers won't do
These automatic flowers won't do
These automatic flowers, flowers won't do
Won't do
Won't do, won't do, won't do, won't do, won't do, won't do
In “Automatic Flowers,” Our Lady Peace sings about a woman named Sarah who is going through a difficult time. The repetition of the “doo, doo” at the start of the song creates a sense of inevitability and hopelessness. Sarah is described as having died here once before, and this language, along with her state of mind, suggests that she may be contemplating suicide. She’s driven crazy by a pop-up book of flowers from grade four, which represents something she can't escape, as it’s a reminder of her past. She's been reduced to drinking and can't see straight. No one knows why she’s sad, and no one can seem to help her, as she stays fixated on the unchangeable pop-up book, in the same way that many people can fall into a spiral of depression directed by a particular event. She's crying, and her tears convey her frustration and hopelessness. Even the garden around her is blooming, but it's not enough to bring her out of her depressed state, and the chorus drives home that "these automatic flowers won't do."
The song captures how profound mental states like depression can feel, especially when it seems like there’s no clear path to recovery. Sarah is stuck in a routine, no matter how miserable it makes her, and the ‘automatic flowers’ represent things that keep her in the same place, unable to move on. Sometimes depression keeps people stuck, and even if they know that there are better things out there, they feel that they can't reach them. It's about the sense of futility and the loneliness that comes with mental illness, and how difficult it is to understand what another person is going through in that situation, and how it can create a sense of desperation when no one seems to understand.
Line by Line Meaning
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Instrumental intro
And Sarah thinks she's died here once before
Sarah feels like she's been in this emotionally distressing situation before.
She's crazy
Sarah's behavior seems irrational.
A pop-up book of flowers from grade four
A simple childhood item, a book of paper flowers, has triggered Sarah's emotional breakdown.
Are driving her insane and
The pop-up book of flowers is causing Sarah to lose her grip on reality.
No one knows why
No one understands the root cause of Sarah's distress.
She's sad tonight
Sarah is feeling very low tonight.
No one can help her find
There doesn't seem to be anyone capable of providing Sarah with the assistance she needs.
Crying, crying, she couldn't afford the view
Sarah is unable to see things clearly due to her tears and her situation.
Crying, crying, these automatic flowers won't do
Sarah's loved ones, represented by these artificial flowers, are unable to provide the comfort she needs.
Another brick
Another obstacle or problem in Sarah's life.
Another window frame's confusion
The window through which she sees the world is causing Sarah distress.
Her garden blooms but Sarah can't see straight
There are positive things in Sarah's life, but she can't appreciate them or see clearly due to her current state.
She's drinking herself blind and
Sarah is trying to numb her emotions with alcohol.
She stares outside
Sarah gazes outside, perhaps looking for answers or escape.
She never admitted, she never considered
Sarah hasn't acknowledged the extent of her problems or sought help.
That she always means better
Sarah has good intentions, but her mental state is preventing her from living up to them.
She's wasting all her time
Sarah is stuck in emotional turmoil, unable to move forward with her life.
These automatic flowers, flowers won't do
Sarah's loved ones, who are meant to provide comfort like a flower arrangement, are unable to help her deal with her turmoil.
Won't do
The message is repeated as a refrain to emphasize the idea that the things that should provide comfort are failing Sarah.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Arnold Lanni, Michael Maida
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jessicah3450
Love it or hate it, Raine has such a beautifully unique voice.
@justschr
It WAS unique. Watching some of their recent live performances it sounds pretty damaged.
@kimberlee440
@justschr Agreed - saw them tonight, and Raine does NOT sound anything like this anymore.
@SanAndreas204
This whole album makes me cry. Reminds me of my mom when she was in the hospital of cancer. I always played this in my walk man walking to see her in the hospital everyday. Sadly she passed away. Shortly after. Our lady peace is a band that I hold to my heart dearly. Their music has always been there for me. I can’t wait to see them live again.
@Family__Guy_
Saw them last night in Toronto and they were fucking amazing
@miranoir6799
Jeremy Taggart - One of the most underrated drummer of all times, that drum line is pure gold.
@robinbarker5407
Always loved his playing. I agree, he's very underrated.
@genedrakes686
Have seen him at work and he is awesome! Imagine what he could do with Neil's drum set??😎😀
@tleedrums
Soooo good
@FrxBass
Yes it's very unique and he was only drumming for 3 years, they're all basic in their playing skills, but the chemistry was just insanely good