In December 2007, David Byrne announced on the BBC Radio music show, The Weekender, that he was working Brian Eno on a brand new album of "proper songs", describing it as a "completely different thing" from My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, which was mostly experimental. Eno had invited Byrne to finish some songs that he had written but that did not have lyrics, some of which were eight years old. The resulting album, Everything That Happens will Happen Today, was self-released on August 18, 2008 through the official album's website. No record label was involved, and it available for stream or download at EverythingThatHappens.com.
Life Is Long
Brian Eno & David Byrne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can barely see cause my head's in the way
Tigers walk behind me, they are to remind me that
I'm lost, but I'm not afraid
Soul to soul, A kiss and a sigh
Sawed in half, by the passage of time
Halfway home, from a window you see
People on the outside, I remember sweet times
This old rose, is always in bloom
Everybody's happy, to be a baby daddy
Stone love, with nothing to lose
Life is long, if you give it way
So stay, don't go, cause I'm fading away
Soul to soul, between you and me
Chain me down, but I am still free
Now I can say, those three little words
And every day, I'm dreaming a world
Soul to soul, a kiss and a sigh
Holding back, the waters outside.
Life is long, if you give it away
So stay, don't go, cause I'm fading away
Soul to soul, between you and me
Chain me down, but I am still free
The lyrics to Brian Eno & David Byrne's song "Life Is Long" are about the complexities and contradictions of life. At the beginning of the song, the singer expresses a sense of confusion and feeling lost, as if there are obstacles that are blocking his view of the world. However, he is not afraid, and he gets a sense of comfort and reassurance from the tigers that are walking behind him.
Throughout the song, he speaks about connections between people, the passage of time, memories, and the duality of freedom and confinement. He also speaks about the different stages of life and the need to hold on to love and hope in order to make it through the difficult times. The chorus is a plea for the listener to stay with him, as he is "fading away." Ultimately, the singer finds solace in the connection he has with another person, as symbolized by the "soul to soul" kiss and sigh.
In summary, the song has a melancholic tone, but it also conveys a message of hope and the importance of human connection in the face of the complexities and uncertainties of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody says that the living is easy
People commonly say that life is simple and uncomplicated
I can barely see cause my head's in the way
I am having a hard time seeing clearly due to my own mental barriers
Tigers walk behind me, they are to remind me that I'm lost, but I'm not afraid
I feel as though I am wandering aimlessly through life, but the difficult situations I face give me courage
Soul to soul, A kiss and a sigh
Two individuals are connecting with each other on a deep and emotional level
Sawed in half, by the passage of time
The progression of time can sometimes feel like it is fracturing one's life into separate pieces
Halfway home, from a window you see Chains and bars, but I am still free
Despite feeling trapped or limited, there is still a sense of freedom and hope to be found
People on the outside, I remember sweet times
I recall positive memories with individuals who are no longer present in my life
This old rose, is always in bloom
A symbol of resilience and enduring beauty in the face of adversity and age
Everybody's happy, to be a baby daddy
People find joy and fulfillment in raising children
Stone love, with nothing to lose
A reference to a romantic relationship that is solid and grounded, even in the face of potential loss
Life is long, if you give it away So stay, don't go, cause I'm fading away
By sharing your life with others and making meaningful connections, life can become more fulfilling and meaningful. Do not leave me behind as I struggle
Soul to soul, between you and me Chain me down, but I am still free
Despite any restrictions or limitations that may exist, emotional connections can still provide a sense of liberation and freedom from isolation or despair
Now I can say, those three little words And every day, I'm dreaming a world
Expressing love and affection can bring about positive change in the world, and can inspire change in the dreamer's life
Holding back, the waters outside
Preventing chaos and turmoil from intruding on one's personal life, and retaining a sense of calm despite external pressure
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN ENO, DAVID BYRNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrAudienceMember2662015
Grace and Frankie S2 E2
Everybody says that the living is easy
I can barely see 'cause my head's in the way
Tigers walk behind me, they are to remind me
That I'm lost but I'm not afraid
Soul to soul, a kiss and a sigh
Sawed in half by the passage of time
Halfway home from a window you see
Chains and bars but I am still free
People on the outside, I remember sweet times
This old rose is always in bloom
Everybody's happy to be a baby daddy
Stone love with nothing to lose
Life is long if you give it away
So stay, don't go 'cause I'm fading away
Soul to soul between you and me
Chain me down but I am still free
Now I can say those three little words
And everyday I'm dreaming a world
Soul to soul, a kiss and a sigh
Holding back the waters outside
Life is long if you give it away
So stay, don't go 'cause I'm fading away
Soul to soul between you and me
Chain me down but I am still free
@robbiepeterh
The way he goes “uuuh-wo-u-wo-u” is just amazing 😎
@Dhananjuly
That's the only reason I'm listening
@davidroberts6549
Ain’t it great!
@KaceyVaughn89
David Byrne is always writing lyrics that I deeply connect to. This must be the place, Home, heaven, Like Humans Do. I love that man.
@chadroger6654
P
@rhodamackenzie8120
LOVE this song. Grace and Frankie - Grace leaving her home - it was so sad. She nailed it.
@brandystillwell1073
Love that show!!
@kyzerbatiste2645
WALL STREET 2 SOUNDTRACK WAS AND STILL IS ASTONISHING 🌹 .
@bradphillips7024
SO TRUE
@AmyWolf238
If you're counting past lives. Yes life is very very very very very long but in God's energy it's a flash of a moment