The debut self-titled album by Broken Bells was released on Columbia Records on March 9, 2010. The first single from the record, "The High Road", was released on December 21, 2009.
NPR's "All Things Considered" aired an interview with the duo on March 16, 2010. A transcript of the article can be found here.
An EP, Meyrin Fields, was released on March 29, 2011.
Their second LP, After the Disco, was released on February 4, 2014.
Their third album, INTO THE BLUE, was released on October 7, 2022.
www.brokenbells.com
Medicine
Broken Bells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Into something of a prison, oh
And the only thing we know for certain
Is that don't nobody know
You think all of this is real
That's why you never try
To get it down or will it up
Hoo, haha, hoo, haha
Hoo, haha, hoo, haha
Not another lonely evening
When you stay you're not counting omens
When the morning isn't so disturbing actually
Just won't let it go
You think cutting gives you license (license)
To do anything at all (anything)
But you got to take your medicine (medicine)
To allow your hands to lose that grip and let it fall
Hoo, haha, hoo, haha
Hoo, haha, hoo, haha
It's a wonder anyone can breathe you
With a smoke too thick to cough
So we fallin' as we run for cover
From the bombs we're setting off
You think cutting gives you license (license)
To do anything at all (anything)
But you got to take your medicine (medicine)
To allow your hands to lose that grip and let it fall
Hoo, haha, hoo, haha
Hoo, haha, hoo, haha (allow your hands to lose that grip and let it fall)
So we watch another good day fading
How we gonna leave the hangman hanging
Girl, one day you know it all melts in your breath
Hoo, haha, hoo, haha
Hoo, haha, hoo, haha
Hoo, haha, hoo, haha
The lyrics to "Medicine" by Broken Bells tell a story of feeling trapped and disconnected from the world. The first stanza describes a feeling of being trapped in an ordinary room that has become a prison. Despite the uncertainty of the situation, the singer knows that nobody truly knows what is going on, implying a sense of confusion and helplessness. The second stanza talks about avoiding facing reality by pretending that everything is real and not trying to break away from it. The chorus refers to the idea of self-harm or cutting, implying that one's own actions can make them feel like they have control over their life when, in reality, it only makes things worse. The third and final stanza is a bit more hopeful, talking about watching a good day fade away but having hope that things will eventually get better.
Overall, the lyrics of "Medicine" are about the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life, even when everything feels like it's falling apart. The song's melody and instrumentation add to the feeling of disconnect and confusion, with a mix of electronic and rock elements that create a sense of unease and tension.
Line by Line Meaning
This ordinary room is turning
The familiar room is starting to feel like a prison
Into something of a prison, oh
The room is becoming a more oppressive and difficult space to be in
And the only thing we know for certain
There are very few things in life that are absolutely certain
Is that don't nobody know
No one can be completely sure about anything
You think all of this is real
You believe that everything is genuine
That's why you never try
And as a result, you don't push yourself to seek out new ideas or experiences
To get it down or will it up
You don't focus your energies to achieve your goals
It's a shame
This is unfortunate
Not another lonely evening
This song is narrating another lonely evening
When you stay you're not counting omens
And though you are choosing to remain, you are also not worrying about the signs of danger
When the morning isn't so disturbing actually
Actually, the next morning might not be so bad
Just won't let it go
However, you are still holding onto your problems and concerns
You think cutting gives you license (license)
You may believe that self-harm gives you permission to behave without consequences
To do anything at all (anything)
You may feel that you have no control or direction in life
But you got to take your medicine (medicine)
However, it is important to take steps towards healing
To allow your hands to lose that grip and let it fall
To release your hold on negativity and allow it to dissipate
It's a wonder anyone can breathe you
Being around you may be suffocating and difficult
With a smoke too thick to cough
The situation is so challenging that it is hard to even make light of it
So we fallin' as we run for cover
We are struggling even as we try to escape from problems
From the bombs we're setting off
And we are responsible for some of the trouble in our lives
So we watch another good day fading
We are sad to see a good day ending
How we gonna leave the hangman hanging
We need to address and confront the negative elements in our lives
Girl, one day you know it all melts in your breath
Someday your problems will be gone, and you will breathe more easily
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JAMES MERCER, BRIAN BURTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Azifell
This song is so comforting to me so I always play this when I'm down or sick thanks for this great song and all the comfort is given me :) ❤
Strange Wayfaring Stranger
It's the opposite though. The song isn't meant to be about this in a good way. For me, dealing with mental issues, I feel more like it's dealing with all that and people telling you that medicine fixes it all. You feel more forced.
Not THAT CJ
That little echo of licence, anything and medicine in the chorus is EVERYTHING! I could listen to that on loop all day!
Bethany Rose Odell
⭐i absolutely 💖🧡💛💚💙💜 the sound of Broken Bells⭐
MOHAMMED hessaini
Makes me feel special that I love this song that has only 8.7 K views so far
Stutter • Allan Scott
🎶 Groove to the funk! 🎶
Love it!!
John Reese
Clean 🔥🔥🔥
Dilara Konus
OMG NEW MUSIC
jfc
Awesome song from BB!!!
Does anyone hear a bit of Blur Song 2 ?
Richard Bell
👍👍