Movie Theme
Beck Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Looking for a ladder
In the stratosphere
So I can be happy
Let my bones melt away

Stranded on a plane
That was circling round
I carry my heart
Like a soldier with a hand grenade

Walking down the aisle
In the supermarket
Looking for the things ought to
Carry my senses away

Listen to the ring
Of the telephone
Somebody's calling
Somebody's all alone

Looking for a home
In the magazine page
Wages in my pocket
Gonna buy me anything that I need

Searching for fame
My battery light
Wash me away
Gaping at the oceans below.

Nobody's scared
'Cause there's nobody there
Mind is awake
Anything could lead me astray

Listen to the voice
On the radio wave




Somebody needs you
Somebody's far away.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song Movie Theme by Beck are open to interpretation, but the theme seems to be about finding happiness and purpose in life. The first verse, "Looking for a ladder in the stratosphere, so I can be happy, let my bones melt away," may refer to the search for fulfillment or contentment at an extremely high level, transcending the physical realm. This could be a metaphor for seeking spiritual enlightenment.


The following verse "Stranded on a plane that was circling round, I carry my heart like a soldier with a hand grenade," suggests a feeling of being lost or stuck in a never-ending cycle, with potentially dangerous consequences if the heart is not carried with care. The lyrics then shift to the mundane "Walking down the aisle in the supermarket, looking for the things ought to carry my senses away," possibly indicating a need for escapism through material possessions.


The theme of loneliness and longing are present in the lines "Listen to the ring of the telephone, somebody's calling, somebody's all alone" and "Searching for fame, my battery light wash me away, gaping at the oceans below." The search for a sense of belonging and purpose continues with "Looking for a home in the magazine page, wages in my pocket, gonna buy me anything that I need." The final verse, "Nobody's scared 'cause there's nobody there, mind is awake, anything could lead me astray, listen to the voice on the radio wave, somebody needs you, somebody's far away" touches on the internal conflict of wanting to be free and not scared of judgment, while at the same time longing for connection and validation from others.


Line by Line Meaning

Looking for a ladder In the stratosphere So I can be happy Let my bones melt away
I am seeking a way to happiness, something so high and unreachable that I would feel on top of the world, and the joy would make my body numb.


Stranded on a plane That was circling round I carry my heart Like a soldier with a hand grenade
I feel trapped, isolated, and anxious, as if awaiting imminent danger; thus, I guard my heart carefully like it's a volatile weapon.


Walking down the aisle In the supermarket Looking for the things ought to Carry my senses away
I am shopping, trying to find anything that would help me escape, grab my attention, and/or distract me from reality.


Listen to the ring Of the telephone Somebody's calling Somebody's all alone
The phone is ringing, reminding me that someone is probably feeling lonely, desperate for interaction or help, and I should answer.


Looking for a home In the magazine page Wages in my pocket Gonna buy me anything that I need
I am browsing through magazines to find an ideal place to call home, and I have enough money to buy whatever I like.


Searching for fame My battery light Wash me away Gaping at the oceans below.
I crave recognition and admiration, but my energy is running out, and I feel vulnerable and insignificant, contemplating the vastness of nature.


Nobody's scared 'Cause there's nobody there Mind is awake Anything could lead me astray
I am not afraid because nobody is watching, and my mind is active, but that could be a double-edged sword as anything can pique my curiosity or influence my decisions.


Listen to the voice On the radio wave Somebody needs you Somebody's far away.
A voice on the radio is seeking help or company, and I recognize that someone could benefit from my presence, even if they are miles away.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GODRICH, HANSEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions