Everything That Happens
Byrne David & Eno Brian Lyrics


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I ride on a perfect freeway
Many people on that road
I heard the sound of someone laughing
I saw my neighbor's car explode

Just up ahead
Against the sky
Quicker than you blink your eye

Oh my brother, I still wonder, are you alright?
And among the living, we are giving, all through the night

From the milk of human kindness
From the breast we all partake
Hungry for a social contract
She welcomes you with dark embrace

(Puts) socks and shoes
Upon our feet
Little fishes swim upstream

Oh my brother, I still wonder, are you alright?
In the deepest silence, gold and diamonds, all through the night

[Repeat: x2]
Everything that happens will happen today
And nothing has changed, but nothing's the same




And every tomorrow could be yesterday
And everything that happens will happen today

Overall Meaning

The song "Everything That Happens" by Byrne David and Eno Brian talks about the mundane experiences of life that often take place on a freeway. The lyrics draw attention to how quickly things change and how easily tragedy can strike. The first verse describes the chaos that ensues after a car explodes, leaving the singer concerned about their brother's safety. The second verse speaks to the idea of human kindness and how we all rely on each other for sustenance and comfort. The final refrain emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, where everything that happens will happen today, and nothing is ever truly the same.


Line by Line Meaning

I ride on a perfect freeway
I am traveling effortlessly on a well-built road


Many people on that road
There are numerous others traveling along with me


I heard the sound of someone laughing
I perceived the joyful noise of an unknown person


I saw my neighbor's car explode
I witnessed the unfortunate destruction of my neighbor's vehicle


Just up ahead
In close proximity


Against the sky
Visible in the open air


Quicker than you blink your eye
An event that happened in the blink of an eye


Oh my brother, I still wonder, are you alright?
Expressing concern for a sibling


And among the living, we are giving, all through the night
We continue to offer our help throughout the entire evening


From the milk of human kindness
Derived from human generosity


From the breast we all partake
All humans share in nurturing kindness


Hungry for a social contract
Eager for a collective agreement among people


She welcomes you with dark embrace
The agreement is not without its challenges


Oh my brother, I still wonder, are you alright?
Reiterating concern for a sibling


In the deepest silence, gold and diamonds, all through the night
Valuable things persist even in quiet moments


Everything that happens will happen today
All events occur in the present moment


And nothing has changed, but nothing's the same
Although things appear familiar, there are subtle differences


And every tomorrow could be yesterday
Time is a continuous cycle of past and present


And everything that happens will happen today
Everything continues to unfold in the current moment




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN ENO, DAVID BYRNE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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