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No Key No Plan
Okkervil River Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I'm hosed and they're closing in, maybe only then,
Really, I'll try to get right with myself.
So I'll grope down that ladder again, until I'm tumbling -
But really, I just want to slide, I want to crash-land.

While my friend, my associate, he's a regal man.
He bundles and he twists and ties, gives the reckoning,
And then it's back on the road again with maybe thirteen grand.
Moralize all you might like, I don't believe in it.

[Repeat: x3]
You've never earned your soul. I know,

But I'm gonna try, though, I'm gonna try.

I'm a rich young sophisticate, I've got girls and friends.
I'm doing what I really like and getting paid for it.
There is no key, there's no plan; I discovered that.
And, truly, I don't think you'll find a happier man.

[Repeat: x3]
You've never earned your soul. I know,

But I'm gonna try, though, I'm gonna try.
You float up high and it isn't a sin.
And there isn't a hell where we'll be sent.
There's only now, and there isn't then. So just breathe it in.

Overall Meaning

The song "No Key No Plan" by Okkervil River is about the pursuit of happiness and self-discovery. The first verse describes a person who is struggling but still trying to find a way to be at peace with themselves. They express a desire to let go and enjoy life without worrying about the consequences. On the other hand, the singer's friend is described as someone who is successful and able to navigate through life effortlessly. However, the singer rejects the idea that success can be boiled down to morality or hard work.


The second verse continues with the singer's description of themselves as a rich, young, and successful individual. They explain that they have achieved this success by doing what they love and being paid for it. The line "there is no key, there's no plan; I discovered that" suggests that the singer realizes that happiness cannot always be attained from following a prescribed path. The last verse is an affirmation of living in the moment and enjoying life as it comes.


Overall, the song is a reflection on the different paths people take in pursuit of happiness and the realization that traditional ideas of success or morality do not necessarily guarantee it.


Line by Line Meaning

When I'm hosed and they're closing in, maybe only then,
At the worst of times, when everything seems to be against me, that's when I'll try to make amends with myself.


Really, I'll try to get right with myself.
I'll attempt to fix myself truly and genuinely.


So I'll grope down that ladder again, until I'm tumbling -
I'll continue to attempt to improve myself, even if it means failing and falling.


But really, I just want to slide, I want to crash-land.
Though I strive to better myself, there is also a part of me that wants to let go and relish in the chaos.


While my friend, my associate, he's a regal man.
My friend is a dignified and impressive person.


He bundles and he twists and ties, gives the reckoning,
He's resourceful and can handle any situation that comes his way.


And then it's back on the road again with maybe thirteen grand.
Afterward, he's on his way again with a comfortable sum of money.


Moralize all you might like, I don't believe in it.
You can try to lecture and preach all you want, but I won't be swayed or forced into doing something based on morals alone.


You've never earned your soul. I know,
You can never obtain true personal fulfillment by going through life without any challenges or struggles.


But I'm gonna try, though, I'm gonna try.
But regardless, I'll still endeavor to do my best.


I'm a rich young sophisticate, I've got girls and friends.
I'm a well-off, cultured youth with a lot of companionship in my life.


I'm doing what I really like and getting paid for it.
I'm fortunate enough to make money doing what I truly love to do.


There is no key, there's no plan; I discovered that.
I've come to the conclusion that there is no recipe or strategy to achieve personal fulfillment.


And, truly, I don't think you'll find a happier man.
And honestly, I don't believe there is anyone happier than me.


You float up high and it isn't a sin.
It's okay to feel on top of the world and really happy.


And there isn't a hell where we'll be sent.
There is no punishment or retribution after death.


There's only now, and there isn't then. So just breathe it in.
All that exists is the current moment, and it's important to cherish it.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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