Thinking In Ways
Badlees Lyrics
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Unencumber yourself from the details
The whole thing's bought and paid for
The box, the viewing and one more ride
Bought a plot by some azaleas
They never fail to impress in the brochure
See me off at sunset
I am thinking in ways
That I never have before
I am counting the days
That I never have before
Of course the breakfast will be dinner
Your choice of a couple of entrees
You'll meet some real characters
Some even I haven't seen in a while
I am thinking in ways
I never have before
I am counting the days
That I never have before
I need you to distribute
Everything that I have written down here
They are bits and pieces
Of all who made me what I am
Drink a few, get to know them
Don't forget to tip your waitress
Through them you'll know me better
And life is really worth a damn
I am thinking in ways
I never have before
I am counting the days
That I never have before
The lyrics of Badlees's song "Thinking In Ways" depict the thoughts and sentiments of someone who has come to terms with their own mortality. The first verse portrays the practicalities of arranging one's own funeral, expressing a preoccupation with the details of what will happen after they die. There is a sense that the singer is trying to make things as easy as possible for the people they leave behind, by purchasing a plot near some impressive azaleas and arranging for breakfast to be served at dinnertime.
However, at the same time, the second verse reveals a deeper emotional turmoil. The singer is "thinking in ways that [they] never have before" and "counting the days that [they] never have before". There is a sense of urgency and reflection, as the inevitability of death forces them to confront their own mortality in a way that they have never done before. It is as if the prospect of death has suddenly made life all the more precious.
The final verse reveals the singer's desire to leave a legacy behind. They request that everything they have written down be distributed, as a way of sharing a part of themselves with the people they leave behind. By getting to know their family and friends, the singer believes that others will be able to understand them better. There is a sense of hope and optimism, as if in death the singer seeks to bring people closer together.
Line by Line Meaning
When I die, call this number
Notify this number as a critical point of contact when I die.
Unencumber yourself from the details
Release yourself from the burden of handling difficult tasks related to this event.
The whole thing's bought and paid for
All necessary arrangements and payments have been completed beforehand.
The box, the viewing and one more ride
The casket, funeral viewing, and transportation have all been taken care of.
Bought a plot by some azaleas
Acquired a burial location beside some azalea flowers.
They never fail to impress in the brochure
The location appears impressive in the marketing materials.
See me off at sunset
Attend the ceremony to say goodbye as the sun sets.
I hope it's glorious outside
I desire the weather to be spectacular on that day.
Of course the breakfast will be dinner
Expect breakfast-themed food to be served later in the day.
Your choice of a couple of entrees
You can select from a few main dishes.
You'll meet some real characters
Some unique personalities will be present there.
Some even I haven't seen in a while
Even I have not met some of these attendants for a long time.
I need you to distribute
Please share or hand out this list.
Everything that I have written down here
All the contents described in this document.
They are bits and pieces
These are fragments and parts of my life.
Of all who made me what I am
They are the people who helped shape and define me as a person.
Drink a few, get to know them
Relax, enjoy a drink, and interact with these individuals.
Don't forget to tip your waitress
Remember to leave a gratuity for the server.
Through them you'll know me better
By meeting and engaging with these people, you can learn more about me.
And life is really worth a damn
By cherishing relationships and connections, life has significant value.
I am thinking in ways
I am contemplating and reasoning in new manners.
I never have before
I have not challenged my ideas and beliefs in this form in the past.
I am counting the days
I am mentally keeping track of the remaining time allotted.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GEORGE BRET ALEXANDER, JEFF FELTENBERGER, MICHAEL JAMES NAYDOCK, PAUL ANDREW SMITH, PETE PALLADINO, RON SIMASEK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ricardo Garcia
one of the greatest songs I have ever heard in my life...
mydogspet
One of my favorite songs ever! Beautiful on every level.
Glen DePasse
In 2013 I had an emergency open heart surgery after screaming at another driver who was doing their best to run me off the road. I screamed so loud I burst the plaque off an artery wall which traveled down to end up blocking two arteries, 100% blockage and no other means of saving my life. Fifteen hours sedated, a nine inch scar, my sternum held together with 7 pieces of steel wire and a lot of tubes sticking out of me and months of recovery was pause for reflection, to put it mildly. This song had been a favorite before my incident but has since has become an anthem. I have to fight tears every time I hear it. Masterfully written, musically, lyrically. Profound. "I am thinking in ways I never have before". The Badlees, Brett & Pete....thank you, you guys are awesome.
peepsk771
Love this song!! :)
Ricardo Garcia
my favorite badless song of all time...