No Surprises
Easy Star All-Stars Lyrics
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A job that slowly kills you
Bruises that won't heal
You look so tired and unhappy
Bring down the government
They don't, they don't speak for us
I'll take a quiet life
A handshake of carbon monoxide
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
Silent, silent
This is my final fit, my final bellyache with
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises please
Such a pretty house, such a pretty garden
No alarms and no surprises (let me out of here)
No alarms and no surprises (let me out of here)
No alarms and no surprises please (let me out of here)
The song "No Surprises" by the Easy Star All-Stars is a cover of Radiohead's original song with the same name. The song is about the mundanity and disillusionment of modern life, particularly in terms of the 9-to-5 job that slowly suffocates us. The lyrics open with a metaphor comparing a heart that's full up like a landfill, indicating that the person is feeling emotionally drained and weighed down by life's burdens. The lyrics go on to suggest that the person is trapped in a job that is slowly killing them, and they have no hope of recovering from the constant pain of bruises that won't heal.
The chorus of the song expresses a desire for a quiet life, away from the stresses of the daily grind. The phrase "No alarms and no surprises" is repeated several times, indicating that the person wants a life without unexpected problems or interruptions. The desire for quietude is amplified when the singer asks for "No alarms and no surprises please," suggesting that they are at a breaking point and can't cope with any more stress. The final lines of the song are about a pretty house and garden but even in the beauty of the environment there is a sense of oppression and the desire for freedom.
Overall, the song is a poignant commentary on the banality of everyday existence and the yearning for something more fulfilling. It speaks to anyone who has felt trapped or suffocated by their job or by the daily grind of life.
Line by Line Meaning
A heart that's full up like a landfill
Feeling overwhelmed with emotions that seem trapped and piling up just like trash in a dumpster.
A job that slowly kills you
A work that exhausts and takes a toll on one's physical and mental well-being.
Bruises that won't heal
Mental scars from the past experiences that continue to haunt and hurt.
You look so tired and unhappy
The physical and emotional exhaustion and despair that are visible on one's face.
Bring down the government
The system that is corrupt and doesn't truly represent or serve the people needs to be challenged and changed.
They don't, they don't speak for us
The government doesn't have the people's best interest in mind, nor do they really understand or represent the voices of the citizens.
I'll take a quiet life
A desire to lead a simple and peaceful existence free from the chaos and turmoil of the world.
A handshake of carbon monoxide
A symbol of a dangerous deal or agreement that could lead to deadly consequences and destruction.
No alarms and no surprises
A plea for a life without any sudden or unexpected disruptions or disappointments.
Silent, silent
A desire for a calm and tranquil atmosphere with no unnecessary noise or disturbance.
This is my final fit, my final bellyache with
The last straw, the final moment of complaints and grievances.
Such a pretty house, such a pretty garden
Despite the external beauty of one's surroundings, there may still be an underlying sense of unrest and dissatisfaction.
No alarms and no surprises (let me out of here)
Desperately wanting to escape from the chaos and unexpected events of life.
No alarms and no surprises please (let me out of here)
A fervent cry to avoid any more disappointments or disturbances and to be released from the emotional pain and torment.
Contributed by Chloe S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.