An Easy Life
Broken Bells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do those stunts prove anything
I doubt that I believe that anyone is doing it
Darling read this from a book
But you're the one you're hurting
No no
Safe this from distraction
Polishing all these severed hands
Oblivion is nice
'Til it bites you in the ass
Up in your role
Without a single clue
The riddle of name
In every poison arrow end
Twilight hours on a hook
With no money burning
No no
I gotta desert you
Quietly slide out your back door
The vertigo is nice
But it makes it hard to dance
Guess you want to win a prize
Company odds exchange this night
Losing it all again ain't wise
Whoa, wait
She said that I record
I got shift than I deserve
Look back from anything, but
The question is simple
Why not be smiling ?
No no
What did it hurt ?
Leaving it all to happenstance
One of these nights
When I can't get settled down
What did it hurt ?
Leaving it all to happenstance
One of these nights
When I can't get settled down
When I can't get settled down
The lyrics of Broken Bells' An Easy Life seems to be a commentary on the futility of seeking attention and validation through dangerous stunts and attention-grabbing antics. The first verse questions the motive behind such behavior while also doubting the authenticity of such actions. The following verse then addresses the source of pain that could be driving one to seek such attention, even going as far as quoting from a book to suggest that the subject of the song is the one causing their own hurt. The chorus, which repeats the question "What did it hurt?" speaks to the cost of leaving things to chance, particularly when the subject is unable to find inner peace and stability.
The second verse introduces the idea of distractions and the self-destructive nature of oblivion, which may provide temporary relief but ultimately leads to greater consequences. There is also a sense of disorientation, or perhaps even dissociation, as the singer is unsure of their role or identity ("Up in your role, without a single clue"). The bridge then introduces another character or perspective, who questions the singer's motives and desires, but ultimately comes to the conclusion that there is no reason not to smile. The final chorus repeats the central question, "What did it hurt?" before acknowledging the difficulty of finding peace and stability in one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
So tell me where it hurts
Please explain to me the source of your pain.
Do those stunts prove anything
Are those impressive feats actually achieving anything?
I doubt that I believe that anyone is doing it
I am skeptical that anyone is actually accomplishing anything through those actions.
Darling read this from a book
My dear, I learned this from a book.
But you're the one you're hurting
However, you are the one causing harm to yourself.
Safe this from distraction
Protect this from being interrupted or sidetracked.
Polishing all these severed hands
Trying to perfect the results of past actions that have caused harm.
Oblivion is nice
Ignoring reality can provide comfort.
'Til it bites you in the ass
Until reality catches up with you and causes a negative consequence.
Up in your role
In the position you currently occupy.
Without a single clue
Completely unaware and uninformed.
The riddle of name
The enigma or mystery of identity.
In every poison arrow end
At the conclusion of every harmful endeavor.
Twilight hours on a hook
A state of limbo or uncertainty during a time of day when the sun is setting.
With no money burning
Without any financial means of escape.
I gotta desert you
I need to leave you behind.
Quietly slide out your back door
Leave without creating a commotion or drawing attention to myself.
The vertigo is nice
The feeling of dizziness or instability can be enjoyable.
But it makes it hard to dance
However, it also impedes my ability to move freely and express myself.
Guess you want to win a prize
I assume you are seeking some sort of reward or recognition.
Company odds exchange this night
The likelihood of success depends on the company I keep tonight.
Losing it all again ain't wise
Losing everything repeatedly is not a smart decision.
Whoa, wait
Hold on a moment.
She said that I record
She claimed that I am capturing this moment on film or audio.
I got shift than I deserve
I have been given more than I earned or deserved.
Look back from anything, but
Reflect on anything, except for...
The question is simple
The query is straightforward.
Why not be smiling ?
Why not be happy?
What did it hurt ?
What harm was caused?
Leaving it all to happenstance
Leaving everything up to chance or fate.
One of these nights
At some point in the future, potentially tonight.
When I can't get settled down
When I am unable to calm my thoughts or emotions.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BRIAN BURTON, JAMES MERCER, BRIAN JOSEPH BURTON, JAMES RUSSELL MERCER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thegreatstephano
DAMN i thought broken bells was gonna be a one CD experiment but now they're my favorite band!
@jamalcripsforlife
easily my favorite song from these guys
@ojlovesdom
sounds so good!!
@Thesamofsam
this band kicks some serious musical ass
@crzyworld22
Amazing!!!
@TheBackwardsPiano
Good thing that was the next song playing in my music library
@SuperNattydreads
@brokenbellsVEVO do you guys have an official video for this track?? if not, you guys should made it! this is one of your Dope track!
@ginac38
these guys make grest music OMG
@Dashielus
@speedybill47 i'm not sure how you could know who contributes more to the writing process... brian is absolutely brilliant, don't get me wrong, but i can't imagine james wouldn't want to be part of the whole creation too
@missthing4
So fucking good.