Surprise
Blue and the Face Lyrics

The lyrics of "Surprise" by Blue and the Face explores themes of materialism, identity, and the disillusionment that comes from living a life centered around the acquisition of things.

The singer of the song invites the listener to consider the possibility of changing their mind about their pursuit of a "better life" based on money and possessions. This is framed as a moment of realization, where the listener can recognize the emptiness of a life that is focused solely on material gain. The line "And all the things that your money can buy" underscores this theme of materialism and how it can lead to a sense of inner dissatisfaction.

However, this realization is not an easy one to come to, as the lyrics acknowledge: "And yes it's hard, so very hard to admit / Just how pointless it all is." The singer understands the difficulty of letting go of the belief that material possessions and money can bring happiness, but ultimately sees it as a necessary step towards a more fulfilling life.

The chorus, "What a surprise you finally arrived" can be interpreted as a declaration of triumph, where the singer is pleased that the listener has finally come to a realization that they themselves have already experienced. At the same time, it can also be interpreted as a moment of empathy and connection, where the singer is surprised by the arrival of someone else who shares their disillusionment.

The final lines of the song, "Then you go and lose the spell / And every trace of your self" can be seen as a warning that even after recognizing the emptiness of materialism, it's easy to get caught up in it again and lose a sense of self in the pursuit of things.

Overall, "Surprise" is a thoughtful exploration of the pitfalls of materialism and the importance of finding fulfillment in life beyond possessions and money.