Musically, the group were influenced by trip-hop, ambient music, and French electronic groups such as Air. However, the lyrics to these lush and romantic melodies are frequently bleak, ironic or sarcastic.
Wonderful Life
Black Box Recorder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Breath in, breath out
Or be a victim all your life
Go window shopping
Riches to rags overnight
It's a wonderful life
It's a wonderful life
You can join the family business
Serve behind the counter
Even have your name above the door
Join the order
Learn the handshake
You won't need protection anymore
It's a wonderful life
When you think it's over
You can look through your photos
Taken for prosperity and you'll find
Have an affair, get a new interest
Go into debt, go on the sick lists
Study at your leisure in your home
Get into shape, try to lose weight
Regain your confidence, control you fate
Victim of circumstance, look on the bright side
It's a wonderful life
It's a wonderful life
It's a wonderful life
It's a wonderful life
The lyrics to Black Box Recorder's song "Wonderful Life" explore the choices we make in our lives and the consequences that come with them. The song encourages listeners to take control of their lives and to not be victims of circumstance. The opening line, "Well, you can bite the bullet, breath in, breath out," sets the tone for the rest of the song, suggesting that life can be tough, but we must push through it. The lyrics talk about saving money and how it can lead to "riches to rags overnight," suggesting that even when we try to do the right thing, life can still be unpredictable.
The song also explores the idea of following in family traditions and joining the family business, but instead of simply accepting this fate, the lyrics suggest that we can also join an "order" and learn a "handshake" to gain protection and control over our lives. The song offers a range of options for taking control over our lives, including having an affair, getting a new interest, studying at home, getting into shape, and regaining our confidence. Overall, the song encourages listeners to look on the bright side and recognize that despite the challenges we face, life truly is wonderful.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, you can bite the bullet
You can face your problems head-on.
Breath in, breath out
Stay calm and focus on your breathing.
Or be a victim all your life
You can either take control of your life or let it control you.
Go window shopping
You don't have to spend money to enjoy yourself.
Save your money
Self-control and long-term thinking can lead to better financial stability.
Riches to rags overnight
Money can be fleeting and temporary.
It's a wonderful life
Life can be great, despite its ups and downs.
You can join the family business
You can choose to follow in your family's footsteps or create your own path.
Serve behind the counter
Even a simple job can provide meaning and purpose.
Even have your name above the door
Running your own business can bring a sense of pride and ownership.
Join the order
Belonging to a group or organization can give you a sense of community and belonging.
Learn the handshake
Making connections with others can be important to your success and happiness.
You won't need protection anymore
Being accepted and respected by others can create a sense of safety and security.
When you think it's over
Even when things seem hopeless, there is always a way forward.
You can look through your photos
Reminiscing on happier times can bring comfort and happiness.
Taken for prosperity and you'll find
Reflecting on past successes can inspire and motivate you to keep going.
Have an affair, get a new interest
Stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to new experiences and personal growth.
Go into debt, go on the sick lists
Sometimes you may have to make sacrifices or ask for help to get through a difficult time.
Study at your leisure in your home
Self-education and continuous learning can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Get into shape, try to lose weight
Improving your physical health can lead to improved mental health and self-confidence.
Regain your confidence, control your fate
Believing in yourself can lead to greater success and control over your life.
Victim of circumstance, look on the bright side
Even when things don't go your way, maintaining a positive attitude can help you overcome adversity.
It's a wonderful life
Despite its challenges, life can still be beautiful and fulfilling.
It's a wonderful life
Despite its challenges, life can still be beautiful and fulfilling.
It's a wonderful life
Despite its challenges, life can still be beautiful and fulfilling.
It's a wonderful life
Despite its challenges, life can still be beautiful and fulfilling.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN MOORE, LUKE MICHAEL HAINES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind