Still
Ben Folds Lyrics

Good morning, son
The song opens with a greeting from a father to his child, establishing a bond between the two.

I am a bird
The father wears a brown polyester shirt and has been likened to a bird, suggesting freedom and carefreeness.

Wearing a brown polyester shirt
This line serves more as a description of the father's appearance than anything else.

You want a Coke?
The father asks his son if he wants a Coke, potentially foreshadowing the idea of offering things to ease or distract from difficult situations.

Maybe some fries?
The father is offering his son more options, potentially trying to be accommodating or indulgent.

The roast beef combo's only nine ninety-five
The father offers his son an affordable meal choice, again trying to be accommodating or helpful in some way.

But it's okay
The father assures his son that he doesn't have to worry about paying for anything.

You don't have to pay
The father reiterates that his son doesn't have to pay for anything, potentially trying to be protective or nurturing.

I've got all the change
The father reinforces the fact that he can take care of paying for the meal, removing any concern or responsibility from his son.

Everybody knows
This line is an observation about the universally acknowledged fact that growing up is difficult.

It hurts to grow up
This line expresses the pain and challenges that come with maturing and becoming more responsible.

And everybody does
The song acknowledges that growing up is a shared experience that all individuals go through.

It's so weird to be back here
The father recognizes the surreal feeling of revisiting places that bring back memories and strong emotions.

Let me tell you what
The father prepares to impart some wisdom or experience to his child.

The years go on and
This line acknowledges the passage of time and how it changes people and their circumstances.

We're still fighting it
The song's titular phrase is repeated, suggesting that despite the difficulties, people are still enduring and persevering.

And you're so much like me
The father sees elements of himself in his child, potentially creating a sense of understanding and empathy.

I'm sorry
The father may feel a sense of guilt or remorse for passing on the challenges of growing up to his son.

Twenty years from now
The song jumps forward in time, suggesting that the events currently being discussed will have implications far into the future.

Maybe we'll both sit down
The father and his son may one day have an opportunity to reflect on the past and present together.

And have a few beers
The father and son may bond over a shared love of alcohol or simply enjoy each other's company in a relaxed setting.

And I can tell
The father takes on a more reflective role, sharing his experiences and insights with his child.

You 'bout today
The father will tell his son about the day in question - perhaps an emotional turning point in their relationship.

And how I picked you up
The father recalls a specific moment in which he showed caretaking for his son.

And everything changed
This line suggests that the events of the day in question had a profound and lasting impact on the father's and son's lives.

It was pain
The experience that the father is referencing was not entirely positive, as it involved emotional or psychological pain.

Sunny days and rain
This line acknowledges that life can be both beautiful and difficult.

I knew you'd feel the same things
The father had a sense that his son would one day share in his experiences, either through empathy or firsthand exposure.

You'll try and try
The father predicts that his son will encounter numerous challenges over the course of his life.

And one day you'll fly
Despite the difficulties, the father sees potential in his son to succeed and flourish.

Away from me
The father perhaps acknowledges that his son will need to separate from him in order to find his own path or achieve independence.