One, nah, I'm not gonna count, sorry

Everyday I wake up and wonder why
I'm alone when I know I am a lovely guy

Birds come down from the sky so blue
See all the beautiful things you do
Why can't I just get with you?

Every night I carry out my plan
Pray to God that one day I can be your man

Birds come down from the sky so blue
See all the beautiful things you do
Why can't I just get with

You'd be my only friend in the world
Or you could just be my girl

And if I do run away from this life
It won't be much for me in the afterlife
Although I know that you don't even care
I would rather stay in a world where

Birds come down from the sky so blue
See all the beautiful things you do
Why can't I just get with you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Eels's song "All The Beautiful Things" seem to be a plea from the singer to someone they have their eye on. The singer is puzzled by their loneliness, as they see themselves as a "lovely guy." They express a desire to be with the person they are addressing, but have not been able to win them over yet. The mention of birds coming down from the sky and the sky being blue seems to be a metaphor for the beauty in the world around them, and possibly a reference to the happiness they believe they could experience with this person. Despite feeling like they would have nothing in the afterlife if they were to run away, they would prefer that to a life without the person they are addressing. Ultimately, the singer wishes to be with the person they have their eye on either as a friend or romantic partner.

The song appears to be a simple yet touching expression of longing for companionship, set to a catchy tune. The minimalist, pared-down instrumentals create a dreamy atmosphere that complements the wistful quality of the lyrics. The repetition of the phrase "why can't I just get with you" throughout the song reinforces the singer's feelings of frustration and sadness. Overall, "All The Beautiful Things" is a poignant snapshot of unrequited love.

Line by Line Meaning

Everyday I wake up and wonder why
The artist wakes up every day and is filled with confusion as to why they are still alone despite being a wonderful person.

I'm alone when I know I am a lovely guy
The artist is aware of their endearing qualities as a person, yet still cannot understand why they are unable to form connections with others.

Birds come down from the sky so blue
The beauty of nature and its creatures remind the artist of the wonder and magic in the world.

See all the beautiful things you do
The artist is in awe of the way that their love interest moves through the world and adds to its beauty.

Why can't I just get with you?
The artist longs to be in a relationship with the person they admire, but is unable to connect with them romantically.

Every night I carry out my plan
The artist consistently thinks about and imagines a future with the person they admire despite their current loneliness.

Pray to God that one day I can be your man
The artist holds onto the hope that one day they will be able to win the heart of their love interest and become their partner.

You'd be my only friend in the world
The artist values the potential romantic relationship with their love interest so greatly that they believe they would be their only friend in the world.

Or you could just be my girl
The artist expresses their willingness to settle for a romantic relationship, rather than solely a friendship, with their love interest.

And if I do run away from this life
The artist considers the possibility of escaping their current state of loneliness, though they do not express any concrete plans to do so.

It won't be much for me in the afterlife
The artist does not believe that their future would hold much meaning or significance without the presence of their love interest in their life.

Although I know that you don't even care
The artist acknowledges that their love interest is likely not aware or interested in their romantic feelings, but still cannot help how they feel.

I would rather stay in a world where
The artist prefers to hold onto the possibility and fantasy of a relationship with their love interest, rather than accept the reality of their loneliness.

Why can't I just get with you?
The artist reiterates their longing for a romantic relationship with their love interest, despite the unlikelihood of it happening.

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