no surprises
Bande à Part Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A job that slowly kills you
Bruises that won't heal
You look so tired-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
With 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
And such a pretty garden
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises please
Silent, silent
The lyrics to Bande à Part's song No Surprises can be interpreted as a commentary on modern-day capitalism and the negative effects it has on individuals. The first line, "A heart that's full up like a landfill," could refer to the endless accumulation of material possessions that provides no true happiness or contentment. The second line, "A job that slowly kills you," speaks to the idea that many people are forced to work long, exhausting hours for little reward or fulfillment. The line "Bring down the government, they don't speak for us" expresses a sentiment of distrust and dissatisfaction with those in power who are supposedly meant to represent and serve the people.
The chorus, "With no alarms and no surprises, no alarms and no surprises, no alarms and no surprises, silent, silent," could refer to a desire for a life free from constant stress and anxiety, a life with no unexpected negative events or outcomes. The lines "A handshake of carbon monoxide" and "My final fit, my final bellyache" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the toxic nature of the capitalist system, which ultimately leads to sickness and death.
Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on the ways in which capitalism and consumerism lead to emptiness and dissatisfaction. The desire for a quiet, uneventful life free from the constant stresses of the modern world becomes a recurring motif throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
A heart that's full up like a landfill
My heart is full, but it is not with feelings of joy and love. Instead, it feels as if it has accumulated a pile of trash.
A job that slowly kills you
The job I work day in and day out is gradually eating away at me and my well-being.
Bruises that won't heal
The physical or emotional harm that's been inflicted upon me seems to remain, never fully healing.
You look so tired-unhappy
Your countenance displays every sign of exhaustion and discontentment.
Bring down the government
We ought to stage a revolution, taking down the unjust, corrupt governing powers in control.
They don't, they don't speak for us
Those involved in dictating governmental protocol do not accurately or fairly represent the population in which they serve.
I'll take a quiet life
Rather than constantly expressing my opinion or trying to change the world. I prefer a peaceful existence.
A handshake of carbon monoxide
A poison for society, one created by damaging environmental factors that are difficult, if not impossible, to avoid.
With no alarms and no surprises
I would like to avoid any sort of disturbance or shock in my life, no matter how small or insignificant.
No alarms and no surprises
The idea of experiencing a life without any interruptions or disruptions is something that I desire and value.
Silent, silent
Peace and quiet is something I strive for - a lack of noise, drama, and unwanted conversations.
This is my final fit
This is the final release of the struggle or fight within myself; I cannot take it any longer.
My final bellyache
This is the last moment of frustration and annoyance within me; I cannot endure it further.
Such a pretty house
The house I reside in appears to be attractive, well-furnished, and perhaps enviable.
And such a pretty garden
The outdoors, particularly the garden surrounding the house, is also quite beautiful and pleasing to the eye.
No alarms and no surprises
Once again, the artist emphasizes their desire to maintain a peaceful, smooth life with few interruptions.
No alarms and no surprises
The idea of experiencing a life without any interruptions or disruptions is something that I desire and value.
No alarms and no surprises please
The final request is made for nothing unexpected whatsoever; everything should remain calm and predictable.
Silent, silent
Peace and quiet is something I strive for - a lack of noise, drama, and unwanted conversations.
Writer(s): Colin Charles Greenwood, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, Philip James Selway, Thomas Edward Yorke, Edward John O'brien
Contributed by Charlie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.