Broken Drum
Beck Lyrics

The opening lines of "Broken Drum" by Beck is a song about the struggle to let go of someone, even if that person does not provide anything positive to one's life. The line "I see you there, your long black hair, your eyes just stare, your mind is turning" describes the presence of someone who is lost in thought, possibly even in a destructive manner. The next lines "You know I'll laugh and I won't take it back, I've seen your eyes I know what you're thinking" suggests that the singer is aware of this person's negative mindset but it does not phase them enough to change their own attitude towards the situation.

The chorus of the song seems to be a rallying cry for both the singer and the person they are addressing. The lines "And one by one, we'll shoot our guns, we'll have fun, don't ever doubt it" seem almost to be a way of the singer trying to convince the other person that they can face their troubles together and make it through. But as the song progresses, it becomes more apparent that the singer is trying to hold onto someone who may be dragging them down, even as they repeat "I'll never forget you, never forget you" at the end. The line "Your setting sun, your broken drum, your little drugs" suggests that the person they are addressing has gone or is going through a tumultuous phase that they cannot shake, but the singer is still trying to cling on.