Is This the Life
Cardiacs Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Following around to see a life that's never in
Always calling itself on its own phone
Though its never quite at home in the world today

See it to arranging the day
Prepared in its own special way
With added loving care
Though its not been there since yesterday

Looking so hard for a cause
And it don't care what it is
And never really ever seeing eye to eye
Though it doesn't really mind

Perhaps that's why It never really saw




Never really saw
Saw

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cardiacs' song "Is This the Life" are complex and open to interpretation, but offer a poignant commentary on modern life and the search for belonging. The song seems to be describing a person or entity that is constantly on the move, trying to find something it can't quite grasp. The character "calls itself on its own phone" but is "never quite at home in the world today." This could be a metaphor for the modern obsession with technology and connectivity, which often leaves us feeling disconnected and isolated.


The lyrics go on to describe the character as "looking so hard for a cause, and it don't care what it is." This suggests a lack of direction or purpose, a sense of searching for something without truly knowing what it is. The character is "never really seeing eye to eye" with anyone, suggesting a disconnect from others and perhaps a feeling of being misunderstood.


The chorus of the song is a repetition of the phrase "never really saw," which could be interpreted in different ways. It could mean that the character never really saw what it was looking for, or that it never saw what was right in front of it. It could also suggest that the character was unable to truly see and understand the world around it. The lyrics are intentionally open-ended, inviting the listener to draw their own conclusions about what the song means.


Overall, "Is This the Life" is a complex and thought-provoking song that offers a commentary on modern life and our search for meaning and belonging. Its lyrics are open to interpretation and offer a powerful critique of our modern society.


Line by Line Meaning

Following around to see a life that's never in
Trying to find purpose in a life that feels unfulfilled


Always calling itself on its own phone
Seeking validation from oneself, rather than from others


Though its never quite at home in the world today
Feeling out of place in modern society


See it to arranging the day
Planning the day ahead in a meticulous manner


Prepared in its own special way
Tailoring one's preparations to their unique preferences


With added loving care
Approaching tasks with a sense of affection and attention to detail


Though its not been there since yesterday
Acknowledging that some things have slipped through the cracks


Looking so hard for a cause
Searching for a sense of purpose or direction in life


And it don't care what it is
Being open-minded to any potential cause, regardless of specifics


And never really ever seeing eye to eye
Having differing viewpoints or beliefs from others, consistently


Though it doesn't really mind
Being comfortable with these differing viewpoints and not feeling the need to change them


Perhaps that's why It never really saw
The inability to truly understand or grasp certain concepts or perspectives


Never really saw
Accepting that there are limitations to one's ability to comprehend everything


Saw
Acknowledging a moment of clarity or insight, but understanding that it may not be permanent




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: TIM SMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@MIRKOUBALDI

Following around to see a life that's never in
Always calling itself on its own phone
Though its never quite at home in the world today
See it to arranging the day
Prepared in its own special way
With added loving care
Though its not been there since yesterday
Looking so hard for a cause
And it don't care what it is
And never really ever seeing eye to eye
Though it doesn't really mind
Perhaps that's why It never really saw
Never really saw
Saw



All comments from YouTube:

@yamabushi170

That guitar solo is just like nothing else, just plain out of this world.

@jake888999

it is xxx

@stevemckenna2401

This is bloody brilliant. How has this band gone under the radar for god sake. The most underrated band ever. Weird and wonderful. R.I.P Tim Smith

@cameronsteven786

The most normal cardiacs song ever and it isn't normal

@madfrankiefraser2234

Haha exactly!

@madfrankiefraser2234

I was at work. It was Christmas 2010 and the local radio station was Linc's fm. Being in Lincoln...and they played this song. I was so excited

@101Volts

"Gena Lolla Brigida" is also a bit on the "normal" front. Of course, the normalcy's destroyed by "Hello Mr. Sparrow" right after it in the track listing.

@brianm2881

An underreported fact about The Cardiacs is that they gave Neil Hamburger his start in showbusiness, seen here playing keyboards.

@danieldorn9989

First half: Song
Second half: Guitar

@bigpauliep6992

Never fails to amaze me how everything looks so out of place, but at the same time it all fits so perfectly; and none of it feels forced or contrived. It's simply incredible.

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