Featured on the … Read Full Bio ↴from the forthcoming debut album, due out May 2013.
Featured on the TV show Californication Ep. 2, Season 6
The Big Idea
Black Books Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did I get your name
I recognized it spelled out in the clouds
And I remember it every time that it rains
So cheers for the good times and cheers for making a name
Clear cool lines in infinite patterns
Fluorescent lit cities of humming bulbs
But when you look right at it it's not even there
You can have anything that you want
Big blue eyes staring at it all
Take it from me, no one said it was easy
Tell you right now I never meant to do you wrong
If you're not sunburned
You're not having fun
And this is a joke and we laugh and now we're going home
For the first time in our lives you were happy
So we turned our backs on it all and left it alone
You can have anything that you want
Big blue eyes staring at it all
Take it from me no one said it was easy
One more time now with feeling
You can have anything that you want
"The Big Idea" by Black Books is a song that explores themes of nostalgia, regret, and the desire for success. The song opens with the singer recognizing someone's name spelled out in clouds and reminiscing about good times. They reflect on how their friend took a small investment and turned it into a million-dollar success, but notes that when you really look at it, that success is not even real. The chorus repeats the message that you can have anything you want, but acknowledges that it's not easy and that mistakes can be made.
Throughout the song, there is an air of wistfulness and longing for simpler times. The line "If you're not sunburned, you're not having fun" feels like an ode to childhood summers, where getting a sunburn was a sign of a day well-spent outside. The singer also admits that they never meant to do their friend wrong, suggesting that perhaps they missed out on an opportunity for success.
Overall, "The Big Idea" is a commentary on the way we measure success and the value of chasing our dreams. It encourages listeners to go after what they want, but also acknowledges that there may be bumps along the way and that success can be fleeting.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey nice to meet you
Greetings, a pleasure to make your acquaintance
Did I get your name
May I confirm your identity?
I recognized it spelled out in the clouds
I recall seeing your name inscribed in the heavens
And I remember it every time that it rains
I continue to recall it each occasion it precipitates
So cheers for the good times and cheers for making a name
Here's to the enjoyable experiences we've had and the recognition you've accomplished
Clear cool lines in infinite patterns
Sharp and crisp outlines arranged infinitely
Fluorescent lit cities of humming bulbs
Metropolitan areas brightly illuminated with buzzing lights
I gave you a buck and you made it a million
I presented you with a small sum, and you transformed it into a vast fortune
But when you look right at it it's not even there
However, upon closer examination, the wealth is merely an illusion
You can have anything that you want
You possess the ability to attain any desire
Big blue eyes staring at it all
Gazing upon everything with broad, blue eyes
Take it from me, no one said it was easy
Trust me, this pursuit is not simple
Tell you right now I never meant to do you wrong
I pledge that I didn't intend to harm you
If you're not sunburned
If you haven't acquired a painful burn from the sun's rays
You're not having fun
It's not an enjoyable experience
And this is a joke and we laugh and now we're going home
This is merely comical, and we chuckle before departing
For the first time in our lives you were happy
You were content for the initial instance in our existence
So we turned our backs on it all and left it alone
Subsequently, we disregarded everything, leaving it untouched
One more time now with feeling
Once more, with emotion
Contributed by Lillian M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@chrispourn
Lyrics
Hey nice to meet you
Did I get your name
I recognized it spelled out in the clouds
And I remember it every time that it rains
So cheers for the good times and cheers for making a name
Clear cool lines in infinite patterns
Fluorescent lit cities of humming bulbs
I gave you a buck and you made it a million
But when you look right at it it's not even there
You can have anything that you want
Big blue eyes staring at it all
Take it from me, no one said it was easy
Tell you right now I never meant to do you wrong
If you're not sunburned
You're not having fun
And this is a joke and we laugh and now we're going home
For the first time in our lives you were happy
So we turned our backs on it all and left it alone
You can have anything that you want
Big blue eyes staring at it all
Take it from me no one said it was easy
One more time now with feeling
You can have anything that you want
@WannabeHippie2
This video, I have not seen anything like it. It literally made me shed a tear. Amazing video. Amazing song.
@cornfolio
FINALLY! THIS SONG HAS BEEN STUCK IN MY HEAD FOR YEARS! THANK GOD! MY LIFE IS A LITTLE MORE COMPLETE!!!
@stoopidhobbitses
The music haunting and beautiful, the video a gripping story that makes the heart swell. Definitely worth the watch.
@nitrii
Really, really into this band right now. This song is incredible-- just stunning. Do the world and yourself a favor and purchase their album on Bandcamp.
@jradtke1740
Well said. I’m stuck on these cats right now and I like it. Perfectly tapping the brakes for me when everything seems to be motoring by. I’m at some weird crossroads again it seems and it’s not been easy but it’s jams like this that will be credited with another escape from myself when I look back sometime in the future.
@veggiemitegames9044
God this song is depressing...
hits replay
@bluelips501
Really? Not for me
@GiveMeChems
actually found this song on Pandora. amazing.
@sweetlyy640
Welcome back!!!! We missed great music. Thank you for sharing the beauty you hear with world!!!!
@nickbrege6695
Speck Mountain pandora station brought me here. Love this song ... hauntingly beatiful.